The tragic passing of Sam Faust has cast a pall on his former NRL club North Queensland.

But Cowboys coach Neil Henry said the club was determined to "celebrate his life" after Faust's funeral details were finalised on Tuesday.

Henry had no doubt his team would be thinking about Faust when they ran out against Sydney Roosters in Townsville on Saturday night.

Faust, 26, passed away on Monday morning from leukaemia, leaving behind a wife and three children.

A devastated Henry said Cowboys players and coaching staff would leave "en mass" to toast Faust at the funeral service at Proserpine, north Queensland on Monday.

"It's very sad news for our club," he said.

"I am sure the boys will be thinking about Sam and his family (against the Roosters) - it was a dour day at training yesterday.

"We were all upset and saddened by the news, but we will go down there and celebrate his life.

"He's about what the club is about.

"A north Queensland boy who worked very hard for what he achieved and a top bloke."

Henry named an 18-strong side for the Roosters, adding forward Leeson Ah Mau to the 17 that came from behind to down the Eels in their last clash.

He will be sweating on co-captain Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott as well as strike centre Willie Tonga backing up from Wednesday night's Origin opener in Brisbane.

"We didn't think there was a need to name 19, 20 players - but hopefully Johnno and Willie back up ... and Leeson will come into the side if Matt Scott is not right," Henry said.

"JT (Thurston) prides himself on his ability to back up after representative games - they don't want to let their clubs down which is great news for us."

While his Origin contingent has been away from the Cowboys camp, Henry did not believe it was a major disruption with the likes of Dallas Johnson on board.

The veteran lock was overlooked for Queensland Origin duty, but has been a steadying influence amongst the Cowboys squad in the countdown to the Roosters clash.

"He would have been a real contender for an Origin spot but it's good to have Dal around," Henry said.

"He's disappointed he wasn't selected, that's for sure.

"But he has had time to recover (from niggling injuries) and he will come back fresher than ever."

Henry had no regrets about turning his back on Origin after four successful years as Mal Meninga's assistant.

"I never take that role forever. I thoroughly enjoyed my four years with Mal and the boys - it's like a family," he said.

"It was sad to give that away, but I had my day in the sun.

"And I needed to focus on club commitments, it is draining ... concentrating on two sides at once."

The fourth-placed Cowboys are vying for their sixth consecutive home win against the Roosters.

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