Scott's NRL return likely to be put on ice

North Queensland's Coen Hess and John Asiata will likely play in Saturday's preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters, meaning Matt Scott won't return.

Matt Scott's miraculous comeback from a season-long knee injury is looking less likely, with North Queensland forward Coen Hess cleared to play in Saturday night's NRL preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters.

The Cowboys are adamant Kangaroos forward Scott will only come back into the side if North Queensland have injuries in the middle, but both Hess and prop John Asiata are now considered most likely to play.

"There is a concern about the re-risk of injury (to Scott). If he was to play and something happened in the game and he was forced to play longer minutes, then that risk would be greater," assistant coach Todd Payten said.