Confusion reigned as Queensland re-activated the careers of Origin one-gamers Clinton Schifcofske and Josh Hannay and picked Justin Hodges for the series decider after his NRL club ruled him out for up to six weeks.

Canberra custodian Schifcofske plays his first Origin since his only outing in 2002, replacing Karmichael Hunt while Hannay, struggling to re-establish his career, was a stunning selection in the centres for Manly's Steve Bell (fractured cheekbone).

Hodges' selection bordered on bizarre.

Brisbane officials announced he was looking at six weeks on the sidelines with ankle and hamstring injuries, which selector Des Morris described as a "surprise" to him.

The only other change was the addition of proven hit-man Tonie Carroll, who was named on the bench at the expense of young Cowboy Jacob Lillyman because of concerns about his ability to play big minutes.

Carroll's comeback was cut short when he suffered severe concussion early in his first game back from injury against Manly.

He still has to get through the team medical with some players requiring two weeks off to recover from bad head knocks.

Hodges will be assessed by the Queensland Rugby League's team doctor Roy Saunders, with a decision made on Tuesday on whether he flies to Melbourne to join the Maroons in camp.

Man-of-the-match in Sydney and a star performer in Origin II - Hodges desperately wants to play.

He telephoned coach Mal Meninga prior to the team being named for Origin II to declare himself available after being written off with a hamstring injury and is hoping to pull off another miraculous recovery if given the chance.

"I have to meet with the Queensland doctor and physio later tonight," said a positive Hodges who showed courage to play out Sunday's game which could prove critical to the Broncos' season.

"It's just very frustrating.

"When I did it (hamstring) in game one I had two weeks to do my recovery but this I've also got a low grade high ankle strain.

"I'm grateful for Queensland for what they did for me in the second game and I don't want to go into the decider with an injury.

"But I didn't want to rule myself out without letting Queensland have a chance to make the call in case they think there's a chance."

If Hodges is ruled out, Queensland could shift Shaun Berrigan off the bench into the centres, where he's played for Australia, and recall utility Nathan Fien as a back-up dummy half.

Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said the club was disappointed the QRL had dismissed its medical advice but understood Hodges's burning desire to play and Queensland's determination to have its best players on the field for the decider.

Cullen said while Brisbane supported Queensland it was concerned Hodges could be putting his season at risk by playing.

"I'll see what happens but I don't want to make a decision that could impact on the Broncos," said Hodges.

Meanwhile an emotional Hannay was over the moon with his recall after experiencing the worst lows of his rugby league career with the Cowboys this season.

The goal kicking centre has spent so much time in the Queensland Cup this season that he was picked to play for Queensland Country against City at the weekend in Cloncurry before being called up for the Cowboys.

"It's a great lesson for anyone in life, never ever give up," Hannay told AAP.

"My form has been improving gradually and the last two weeks I've been very pleased."

Hannay, who has battled hard to get back into first grade this season, was in great form this time last year before suffering a serious shoulder injury and missing the entire Origin series.

"A lot of people were saying last year I was on the verge of selection and I did my shoulder on the eve of the series.

"This has been the most difficult year to handle, a real struggle for me mentally trying to stay positive.

"It made it very emotional when I got the call and quite proud I'd stuck up at it."

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