Queensland are hopeful State of Origin veteran Matt Scott will be fit to play in the series opener next month despite suffering a knee injury.

Scott limped from the field in the second half of North Queensland’s last-minute NRL loss to South Sydney on Saturday night, nursing a left knee problem.

It’s understood the Cowboys front-rower will likely miss next week’s clash with Melbourne but officials are hopeful he could return the following week and in time for the June 6 series opener.

The 32-year-old, who missed the majority of last season with a right knee injury, will likely learn his fate on Monday morning when he is expected to undergo scans.

The most likely result is that Scott has injured his medial ligament. If it is only a strain he could play within the fortnight but any tear would likely leave him sidelined for four to six weeks.

“It’d be (a) huge (loss) considering the inexperience we’ve got with our forwards,” Maroons selector Darren Lockyer told Channel Nine’s Footy Show.

“He’s coming off from a long layoff with his knee but he’s just starting to find some form.

“He’s a chance of playing next week. That’s good for Queensland.”

Scott has endured a difficult start to the NRL season but Maroons coach Kevin Walters admitted last week the experience of veterans such as the Cowboys co-captain and Darius Boyd had taken on more importance after the retirement of Cameron Smith.

Scott made his debut for Queensland in 2006 and has since played 22 Origin games.