THE cavalry has returned to their forward pack, but workhorse Cowboys prop Scott Bolton has vowed he won’t take a backwards step in 2018.

Bolton was one of the stars of North Queensland’s fairytale run to the grand final last season, taking charge in Matt Scott’s near year-long absence with a serious knee injury.

The 30-year-old produced a career-best campaign as a starting prop, running for 123 metres and making 28 tackles per game as the club’s only middle forward to start in all 28 matches.

He even played a large portion of the season with a significant sternum injury which required pain-reducing injections before each match, such was his commitment to their premiership tilt.

Bolton’s rise has given the Cowboys some incredible depth in the forwards as they look to go one better this season, with veteran Scott set to form a formidable frontrow alongside Storm recruit Jordan McLean.

That will likely see Bolton pushed back to the bench, but the loyal clubman insisted his mindset won’t change even if he’s playing a slightly different role.

media_camera North Queensland Cowboys pre-season training. Scott Bolton. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“I’ve had the same mindset over the years whether I was coming off the bench or starting,” Bolton said.

“It’s just important that when you get out there you do your job and do what’s required of you out on the field at that time.

“Rugby league’s a funny sport — injuries can happen. It’s a classic example last year where before I knew it I was one of the senior players in the squad.

“It’s important you prepare well and you prepare for anything and if you get the opportunity you’re ready to go.

“It’s very exciting times for the club … having a big pack back so hopefully we stay fit this year and press towards the finals again.”

Bolton has always been the type to let his football do the talking, but he was thrust into a leadership role with co-captains Scott and Johnathan Thurston sidelined for much of last season.

The Innisfail product was handed the captaincy for the first time in Round 15 against the Storm and Bolton felt he could continue to be a more vocal contributor on and off the field.

“I’ll still play the same role I did last year. If I feel I need to say something then I will,” he said.

The Cowboys will play their first trial match against the Wests Tigers in Cairns on February 17 and Bolton said he was excited to get back to what they do best after another taxing preseason.

“It’s exciting to get back and play again, hopefully the training load might drop back a bit,” he said.

“We’re ready to go, but we need to get a bit of work done before that happens.”