North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein is in doubt for the Cowboys’ season opener against Canberra, paving the way for young star Kalyn Ponga to return to the NRL.

Winterstein sustained a right ankle sprain in the Cowboys’ 18-16 trial win over Wests Tigers on Friday night, ruling the 28-year-old for up to three weeks.

Scans on Monday revealed he would spend 2-3 weeks on the sideline which all but rules him out of their round one clash against the Raiders in Townsville just 12 days away.

Ponga, who has already signed with Newcastle for next season, pressed his claims for a round-one spot on Friday night.

The 18-year-old scored a hat-trick in the club’s under-20s win over Queensland Cup team Townsville, outshining fellow youngster Javid Bowen.

Pressed on the matter after the Cowboys’ NRL trial, coach Paul Green said he was unsure who any possible replacement would be.

Ponga debuted for the Cowboys in last year’s finals series, impressing in their 26-20 semi-final victory over Brisbane.

However, he became a player of contention in the off-season with the Cowboys refusing to release him a year early to join the Knights.