Doubts remain over hooker Aaron Payne’s fitness but North Queensland claimed there was no shortage of self-belief ahead of Friday night’s knockout NRL semi-final against Manly despite a shocking Sydney record.

Cowboys coach Neil Henry admitted retiring rake Payne was in a “fair bit of doubt” with a knee injury after naming him in a 19-strong squad set to fly out for Sydney on Thursday.

Henry said a final verdict on Payne’s fitness could be made by Wednesday.

“We only have ball work sessions today and tomorrow so we will need to know fairly quickly,” he said of Payne, who was injured in last weekend’s elimination final win over Brisbane.

“He is hopeful but I would have to say he is in a fair bit of doubt.”

If Payne succumbs, James Segeyaro will start at No.9 with utility Anthony Mitchell slotting onto the bench.

However, Henry had plenty of confidence in his side – whether Payne played or not – as they prepared to meet the defending champions at Allianz Stadium.

Statistics say he shouldn’t.

Manly have won four of their past five clashes with the Cowboys and North Queensland don’t have to be reminded of the last time they met in the finals – a 42-8 drubbing in last year’s first round.

And then there’s North Queensland’s appalling Sydney record – since 2008, the Cowboys have won only four of 25 games.

But a five-game winning streak – backed by a club record-equalling 7-5 away run this year – had them primed to strike, Henry said.

“That (Sydney) record is there but our form is good and playing at that ground will hold no fears,” he said.

“We will go down there with confidence.

“Last year we went down there (in the finals) with `what ifs’ and a bit of hope really.

“This year we will go down there with some surety that we can play football and we have been playing it well.”

Asked about avenging last year’s humiliating finals result, Henry said: “Really, it is irrelevant.

“The situation has changed. It is a new ball game.”

But Henry did reflect on what was their last outing in round 22 – a grinding 8-6 win by the Sea Eagles in Townsville.

Henry described it as a “wasted opportunity” after the Cowboys committed 15 errors.

“We are better placed now than we were in round 22 which is not that long ago – since that game we’ve had some good success,” he said.

Not that Henry was taking Manly lightly – even with Steve Matai (suspension) out and co-captain Jamie Lyon carrying a calf injury.

“There is the potential that both their centres will be missing,” he said.

“It’s no gimme that it will make it any easier for us.

“It was a very tight contest and a very tough game physically (last time they met) – we expect the same down in Sydney.

“They are a side that deserves enormous respect. And it is do or die.”