Neil Henry expects his Queensland State of Origin stars to shine against Manly in Saturday's NRL qualifying final at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Despite going into the game on the back of four defeats in their last five matches, Henry believes the big-game experience running through his side has the potential to upset the Sea Eagles.

"We need to draw on that experience, Dallas Johnson, Brent Tate, Johnno (Johnathan Thurston), Matt Scott, they are State of Origin class players who have played for their country," Henry said on Friday.

"It will be the atmosphere they are used to playing and performing in and we need to use that advantage in these type of games and they'll be our leaders.

"But Manly have big-game players too like Jamie Lyon. (Brett) Stewart has also played Origin, so they have players who have played at that level as well."

Thurston's form has been patchy since returning from a knee injury last month, but Henry insists his star halfback will show his true colours on the big stage.

"It has been difficult for Johnathan, it was quite a substantial knee injury he had and the team dropped off around him," he said.

"But he is pumped, it doesn't get any better than finals football, it's been a few years for the club and our fans and the boys are looking forward to it.

"He is our key player there's no doubt, but he needs a bit of help out there.

"Scott has been in great form, our pack has been strong, Matty Bowen has good from out of the back so I am confident we can get some points, but we have to defend as well."

The notoriously travel-shy Cowboys have prepared for the game by spending almost most of this week in Sydney and Henry believes it gives his side the best possible preparation to avenge their defeat by the Sea Eagles' in the 2007 preliminary final.

But he also denied the Sea Eagles would be hindered by the loss of Glenn Stewart, Jason King and David Williams due to suspension and injury respectively.

"We've prepared really well and I think basing ourselves in Sydney for most of this week has helped us, as has the cooler conditions as it was pretty hot back home in Townsville," Henry said.

"Des (Hasler) is a master of getting teams right, the players he has brought into the side have always done a job for him and they have good depth at the club and good youth.

"Finals football is all about field position, but they are a very fine defensive side, but you need to play a bit of footy against them as well."

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