Queensland star Willie Tonga's long-awaited return to NRL action may be further delayed after he strained a bicep in training.

The North Queensland centre has been sidelined since round 12 in May after injuring his shoulder in the State of Origin series opener in Brisbane but he was finally named on Tuesday in the Cowboys side to face Newcastle on Monday.

However, club officials now rate Tonga as "doubtful" to face the Knights after he collided with Brent Tate in training, but say the injury is not serious and should allow him to face Wests Tigers next week.

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