Queensland selectors are set to brave controversy by retaining Israel Folau for next week's second Origin rugby league clash with NSW despite his new AFL deal.

An injury and suspension-hit Blues outfit - facing a humiliating fifth straight series loss after being outclassed in Sydney last month - were hoping Queensland would follow through on tough talk by officials last week and drop the young code jumper.

But Folau will be named on Monday afternoon in coach Mal Meninga's 17-man squad in a major backflip by the Queensland Rugby League while his young Broncos teammate Jharal Yow Yeh will be added the Queensland's camp as 18th man.

The only other change to the side that beat NSW 28-24 in Origin 1 will be the return of Bulldogs prop Ben Hannant for injured veteran Petero Civoniceva.

Folau's six game Origin career has been saved by player power and a plea from Meninga, initially one of the biggest opponents to the 21-year-old continuing to play for Queensland once it became known he was considering swapping codes.

He appeared sure to be dropped when he announced he'd signed a four-year deal to play for and promote the AFL's new Greater Western Sydney franchise from next year.

But at Monday's selectors meeting, Meninga strongly pleaded Folau's case, citing support from Queensland's senior players including skipper Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva who also softened their attitude.

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