North Queensland forward Matt Scott has been ruled out of the NRL All Stars team to face the Indigenous All Stars on the Gold Coast on February 13 as he continues his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.
Scott was one of a large number of high profile players who were unable to line up for Australia in the Four Nations tournament in October and the Cowboys are reporting that he won't return to contact work until February.
Fellow Origin and Test front-rower James Tamou is also out of contention as he recovers from neck surgery, his program prior to the New Year limited to physio treatment, walking, stationary bike and modified strength training.
Despite the All Stars disappointment, the Cowboys co-captain said his recovery is ahead of schedule.
"Strength-wise, which is an indication of how it's going, has increased dramatically over the last couple of weeks so really good to be able to get into the gym and do some work on it," Scott told Cowboys TV.
"I think it's ahead of schedule and I'll look after it over the two weeks off and do a bit more work so I hit the ground running in January."
While the Indigenous All Stars team is being voted on by the rugby league public, NRL All Stars selection falls squarely on the shoulders of coach Wayne Bennett.
Scott, Tamou, Cameron Smith, Jarryd Hayne and Ashley Harrison were all members of the last NRL All Stars team in 2013 who won't be at Bennett's disposal when the match returns to the calendar in 2015.
Scott's only All Stars appearance to date was back in 2011 when the NRL All Stars triumphed 28-12.
