North Queensland forward Josh McGuire has been ruled out of their NRL season-opener against Brisbane with a knee injury.

Scans on Monday confirmed McGuire tore the medial meniscus in his left knee in Saturday’s nines quarter-final win over South Sydney.

“McGuire will have surgery in Townsville (on Tuesday) and is expected to return by Round 2,” the club said in a statement.

The development sours the Cowboys’ nines triumph in Perth, where they outlasted St George Illawarra in the final to claim the trophy.

McGuire’s absence robs North Queensland of some crucial front-row experience for their round-one clash against their state rivals.

He was slated to start alongside key prop Jordan McLean and star lock Jason Taumalolo in arguably the best middle rotation in the competition.

Coach Paul Green is now likely to rely on the likes of John Asiata, Emry Pere, and Francis Molo to fill the role on March 13.

The contest doubles as the first game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Cowboys also have a trial against Brisbane in Cairns on Saturday, with Valentine Holmes expected to make his first appearance in club colours.

North Queensland will then finalise preparations for the season proper with a hitout against Melbourne on February 29.