A Matt Scott no show may have raised eyebrows but North Queensland claimed the recovering Cowboys co-captain will run out in next week’s NRL season opener.

Scott was conspicuous by his absence at the NRL’s season launch in Sydney on Thursday.

Especially after the official NRL media alert claimed Scott – who missed the recent Four Nations due to shoulder surgery – was unavailable due to injury.

It sounded alarm bells for fans days after Scott had officially returned from injury in last weekend’s trial win over Gold Coast Titans.

But a Cowboys official said Scott would be available for the NRL kick-off against Sydney Roosters in Townsville on March 7 despite the scare.

“He copped a bump and aggravated a pre-existing back injury,” the official told AAP.

“It was precautionary.

“He faced a long flight to Sydney and back for the launch so it was not considered ideal for his back complaint.

“But he is still expected to be available for round one.”

It is another boost for North Queensland who look set to also welcome back fellow book-end James Tamou in the season opener.

Test and NSW prop Tamou will make his comeback from injury when he runs out for Queensland Cup team the Northern Pride in Friday night’s trial against the PNG Hunters in Cairns.

He has made a stellar recovery from December surgery on neck nerve damage that had troubled him since last July.

Tamou – who will battle for a starting front-row berth with new recruit Ben Hannant – is the final player to emerge from the Cowboys’ injury list, creating welcome headaches for coach Paul Green.