Officially, Test prop Matt Scott has already passed a fitness test for his recovering shoulder.

But, the North Queensland co-captain admits the true challenge awaits in Saturday’s NRL season opener against a frightening Sydney Roosters pack in Townsville.

Scott was over the moon with how he bounced back from off-season surgery in a pre-season trial against Gold Coast in Cairns.

However, he conceded it had nothing on what loomed this weekend lining up against the Roosters’ front row of Kiwi powerhouse Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Sam Moa.

Add the likes of State of Origin forwards Aidan Guerra and Boyd Cordner and hitman Dylan Napa to the Roosters’ pack and no wonder Scott is sweating on Saturday night’s “fitness test”.

But Scott reckons he can’t wait.

“It’s a massive challenge,” he said.

“Games are won up front and those two (Moa, Waerea-Hargreaves) can be the best in the business when they are on their game.

“It’s about stopping their momentum.”

So far, so good though for Scott.

“The shoulder was really good against the Titans,” he said of his comeback trial.

“I got through the game without even thinking about it so that is always a good sign that it is 100 per cent.”

Scott will be partnered in the front row by Brisbane recruit Ben Hannant with Test prop James Tamou relegated to the bench as he returns from neck surgery.

“Benny Hannant coming into the side is a great addition,” Scott said.

“And Jimmy will be jumping out of his skin to play.”

North Queensland will run out in jerseys commemorating their 20th anniversary season.