Maroons retain Folau for Origin II

Queensland selectors have put aside Israel Folau's transfer to AFL by selecting him to play State of Origin Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.

AAP

Poll

Should Israel Folau be allowed to play State of Origin?

This poll ended on 31 August 2010.

Yes, definitely.

71%

No, definitely not.

28%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

QUEENSLAND selectors have courted controversy by retaining AFL convert Israel Folau in their team for the second State of Origin match against NSW at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.

In the only change from the Queensland side that won Origin I last month, Bulldogs prop Ben Hannant comes in for the injured Petero Civoniceva as the Maroons seek to clinch a fifth straight series win.

A plea from Folau's senior teammates and coach Mal Meninga appear to have swayed the Queensland Rugby League hierarchy into a backflip.

It had previously threatened to drop Folau after he announced his multi million dollar deal to play for and promote the AFL's Greater Western Sydney franchise from next year.

Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva changed their stance earlier this week after previously suggesting Folau should be on the outer because of his code switch.

Folau's young Broncos teammate Jharal Yow Yeh will enter Queensland's camp as 18th man.

Queensland: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Willie Tonga, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith, Dave Shillington, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Ben Hannant, Neville Costigan, Dave Taylor. 18th man: Jharal Yow Yeh.