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Manly have decided to rest NSW Origin star Tom Trbojevic for their NRL clash against North Queensland, protecting his troublesome hamstrings.

Manly have put a line through Tom Trbojevic playing against North Queensland, deciding to safeguard his precious hamstrings by resting him from Friday night's clash.

Trbojevic had originally been named for the clash, with the Sea Eagles having dropped their first four games without him this year.

But on Thursday they made the call to take the cautious approach with their star player, who had initially wanted to play in the Bob Fulton tribute match.

NSW's best in their State of Origin series opener, Trbojevic's fitness was considered too much of a risk less than 30 hours after getting off a flight from Townsville.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will however play, with the Manly halfback in particular desperate to come back after Queensland's thrashing.

The Sea Eagles are also able to play Dylan Walker at fullback, after he was originally named on the bench.

Valentine Holmes and Coen Hess will both return for North Queensland, but State of Origin debutant Kyle Feldt has been ruled out.

Feldt was in obvious discomfort after suffering a lower glute injury on Wednesday night.

"We've left him out, he's copped a knee in the back there's quite a bit of a bleed," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

"We could potentially give him another 24 hours and see how he pulled up and make the call then, but I just thought with the travel, where our team's at and how we've trained through the week, it's just a cleaner preparation.

"Val (Holmes) is right to play, he's very keen.

"The words coming out of his mouth is that he just wants to win and he's pretty fired up to go again."

Justin O'Neill comes into the side as Feldt's replacement, but a frustrated Payten said the Cowboys had returned to training flat following last week's bye after recovering to 6-6 before it.

"If I'm honest I thought we were flat on Tuesday, and today (Thursday) I thought we were a bit more out and about," Payten said.

"(With the bye) I guess the loss of rhythm or training rhythm plays a part in that, physically.

"We're playing Manly on a Friday night in a testimonial for Bozo (Bob) Fulton and they'll be emotionally driven.

"The NSW players are coming on a high. We know what we're walking into and we know how we need to turn up."