North Queensland coach Neil Henry believes form Cowboys prop Matt Scott deserves a spot in the Queensland team for Origin III in Brisbane.

Scott, who will be hoping to add to his sole Origin jersey from 2006 and role as 18th man for the series opener in Melbourne, has been in career best form for the Cowboys in 2009.

Scott made 14 hit ups for 91 metres and 13 tackles in the Cowboys 24-4 victory over Cronulla on Saturday night.

Queensland Origin assistant coach Henry believes that Scott's performance has sealed his selection with the Queensland team to be announced on Tuesday.

"He took us forward again so I think he deserves an opportunity at the Origin level," he said.

"I think the fact he has been 18th man I thought he stepped up again tonight in his second effort.

"They (Sharks) had a lot of possession at the start of the game so our two starting front rowers had to do a lot of work early.

"He stayed out there for 25 minutes (first half) and he came off and his second stint was good and that is all you can ask for of a big man."

The news out of the Cowboys camp doesn't look as good for Luke O'Donnell and New South Wales with the Blues most dangerous forward facing an uphill battle to be fit for Origin III.

"They (medical staff) are saying a medial ligament problem so he might have a grade one or grade two," Henry said.

"If it is a grade one he might be a possibility but if it is any worse he won't.

"He (O'Donnell) will be doing his best to play that is what he is like."

Former Blues coach Ricky Stuart also believed New South Wales, searching for their first victory of the series, would struggle without the leader of their pack.

"It was unfortunate for him and for the Origin but also for the Cowboys he is a great footy player Luke," Stuart said.

"He is one of those blokes that New South Wales has got to build a team around.

"You only have to look at his game in the second Origin match and he didn't stop trying and he was still hurting two or three days after and that's what you have got to have."

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