According to the NRL website, North Queensland workhorse Dallas Johnson made 49 tackles in 72 minutes last weekend.

Just wait until he is fit.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry admitted on Tuesday that Johnson was "lucky" to even line up last round against Canberra due to knee bone bruising.

Yet Johnson is still expected to run out against Cronulla at Toyota Park on Saturday night as the Cowboys vie for three straight wins.

"He's still a bit sore, but we expect him to play," Henry said on Tuesday after naming Johnson in the starting pack against Cronulla.

"Coming off the field (late against Canberra) probably reflected that his knee wasn't right.

"Physically he's okay apart from a bit of a knock to the knee so he's keen to get out there and train with the boys.

"He'll just need a couple of days off and I think he'll be in a better position for this game than he was for the game against Canberra."

Johnson won't train with the team until Friday as he recovers from the injury sustained at training last week.

He will be on light training duties along with Glenn Hall (groin).

But getting Johnson to co-operate is another thing entirely.

"That's what he's like. It's hard to get him to miss a training run or do alternative training or rest up a bit," Henry said of Johnson.

Henry added returning forwards James Tamou and Gavin Cooper to the 17 that downed the Raiders last round.

Both missed the 24-16 win against Canberra due to suspension but have been included on a six-man interchange.

If Cooper plays, he will run out for his 100th NRL game.

The Cowboys will take an 18-man squad to Sydney when they leave on Good Friday.

Henry said Will Tupou was the most likely player to drop out.

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