Former North Queensland boss Peter Parr, the biggest scalp claimed in the Cowboys club review, doesn't believe players will revolt over his very public demotion on Tuesday.

More heads are expected to roll at the Cowboys - but none will be more significant or potentially divisive than Parr, who has been relegated to football manager.

The club's former executive director enjoys a close relationship with the players, and received plenty of support from them during the weeks of speculation over his future.

It fuelled rumours that the Cowboys faced a player backlash over the treatment of Parr.

But Parr believed the players would understand the club asking him to step aside as executive director and replace Dean Lance as football manager.

"I am not worried about the players," he said on Tuesday.

"I thought it was great that they came out and supported me, but I know they have a lot of support for (chairman) Laurence (Lancini) as well, and the rest of the board.

"I have spoken to the players about it and their main focus is on football.

"I don't think they will have a drama with this - it means I am working with them on a day-to-day basis.

"I look forward to continuing to help them improve as footballers and as young men." Asked if his bond with the players kept him at the club, Parr said:

"The bond with the club kept me at the club, not only the players.

"I have been as gutted as anyone about how we have performed on the field over the last few years - now I get a chance to work hands on and help rectify that.

"The players and staff will take this for what it is." Parr returns to the role he held when the Cowboys made the 2005 NRL grand final - the last major achievement for the underperforming club.

Speculation is rife that more staff announcements are imminent, namely in the strength and conditioning department.

However coach Neil Henry is believed to be safe.

At least there was some good news for long suffering North Queensland fans - former Test lock Dallas Johnson will return from the UK Super League after signing a three-year deal from 2011.

And the Cowboys will need all the help they can get - as they wind down a year (5-18 record) which would have resulted in the wooden spoon if not for the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal.

North Queensland draw the curtain on their horror season when they host the Sydney Roosters at Townsville on Saturday night.

Parr hoped the players' focus was on helping some of their teammates celebrate milestones against the Roosters.

Matt Bowen plays his 200th game, retiring winger Ty Williams his 150th and prop Matt Scott his 100th.

It will also be the final game for a number of players including Luke O'Donnell and Carl Webb and possibly Willie Mason who looks set to play out his career in England.

Lancini said it was yet to be decided if Parr would remain on the Cowboys board.

"Peter Parr and the board have developed a strategy that involves Peter resuming a hands-on role as general manager of football operations," he said.

"Peter will now assist the board to complete our review of the club's operations, beginning with the football department.

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