For the second consecutive season injuries forced Scott Bolton into an expanded role and again he rose to the challenge.

Bolton moved into the starting side after Jordan McLean suffered a long-term foot injury in Round 4 and would remain there until late in the season.

With co-captain Matt Scott battling an on-going back injury, Bolton was Paul Green's first choice front-rower on a number of occasions throughout the season and the 31-year-old thrived under the extra responsibility.

Bolton again showed his ability to play through pain in 2018.

The veteran prop missed just two games from a extremely painful rib injury sustained against the Storm in Round 12, opting to return ahead of schedule and play through the discomfort to help his teammates.

The Cowboys life member enjoyed a number of terrific individual performances, but the standout was his powerhouse effort against South Sydney in Round 16.

Playing in Cairns, Bolton ran for a season-high 163 metres, while also chipping in three tackle breaks and 32 tackles.

2018 stats

Games: 22

Average runs: 11

Average run metres: 102

Average tackles: 26

Effective tackle percentage: 91%

Tackle breaks: 24