JAMES Roberts has been cleared for take-off in tomorrow night's XXXX Derby against the North Queensland Cowboys.

Coach Anthony Seibold said the NSW Origin centre had proved his fitness yesterday by completing a full training session.

Those are the requirements of the coach, and Roberts has met them.

"He got through a full training session yesterday and told me he was ok to go<,” said Seibold this morning.

"I expect him to play.

"The medical staff have cleared him and he trained yesterday.

"You all saw him train yesterday and we are not going to risk him (if he isn't right).

"He had an inflamed fascia joint in the end, and once the swelling comes down the medical staff said he is fine to play.

"He proved that yesterday.

"Unless they can train two days before the game, they can't play.

"He trained yesterday and needed to do that. That's the way I have always worked."

Seibold said there had been a lot of talk about the strength of behemoth Jason Taumalolo, but the Cowboys also had other weapons.

Prop Jordan McLean in particular.

"They are very big, powerful and strong," said Seibold.

"I have an enormous wrap on Jordan McLean.

"You saw the impact he made last year coming back in at the end of the season."

Tomorrow night's match will kick off at 7.05pm at Suncorp Stadium.