The injury ward at the North Queensland Cowboys is close to empty with forward Scott Bolton set to make his return from a shoulder reconstruction one week ahead of schedule.

Bolton has been named to start for the Cowboys in their pre-season clash with Intrust Super Cup newcomers Townsville Blackhawks on Saturday – a week earlier than forecast by the club’s medical staff.

The 27-year-old has been in rehabilitation across the summer after undergoing surgery just days after North Queensland were knocked out of the NRL finals last year.

“I think Scotty would admit it’s just good for him to get back and just get a little bit of game-time,” assistant coach David Furner said.

“It’s not that much pressure there (in pre-season), it’s just about him getting back and getting that confidence again.

“His operation was a fairly good one there… so for Scotty, game-time is important, and important for the team.”

Still on the comeback trail are Matt Scott (shoulder) and James Tamou (neck).

Both have resumed contact work at training with Scott likely to be right for North Queensland’s forthcoming trial against Gold Coast, while Tamou is targeting round one.

Meanwhile, Furner – who will take the coaching reins for the Cowboys this weekend – has declared the number nine jersey “up for grabs” ahead of an anticipated four-way battle to become North Queensland’s first-choice rake for their NRL opener against the Roosters.

Cameron King has been named to start at hooker on Saturday following his return from an ACL injury in Saturday’s trial win over Brisbane in Mackay and appears to have the inside running.

But former Bronco Jake Granville impressed there last week while Ray Thompson and Rory Kostjasyn will also be eyeing off the position.

“They all are a little bit different, it’s probably going to be what suits the team the best,” Furner said.