Wallabies prop Ben Daley has joked his modelling career remains alive, but serious Oxford law studies must wait after the Reds' Super Rugby rise convinced him to remain at home.

Daley signed a new two-year deal with the Queensland and Australian Rugby Unions on Wednesday just as he was named to return from surgery to straighten his badly broken nose.

The workaholic front-rower was knocked out cold and left bloodied in an ugly collision with Ben Mowen in the bruising 19-15 win over NSW two weeks ago, resulting in the operation and a week on the sidelines.

"The nose is fine and looking as per usual," he smiled. "The modelling career is back on track."

One of seven starting changes for Friday night's clash with the Melbourne Rebels, Daley's return and re-signing are major boosts for Queensland both in the present and future.

While mild-mannered off the field, the son of former Manly league international Phil Daley is anything but on the paddock where he's a gutsy standard-bearer.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie loves Daley's "inspirational, lead-by-example" traits, which were missed in the 28-26 upset loss to the Hurricanes last round, as well as his intelligence.

Like looks, front-rowers aren't supposed to have brains but an Oxford invitation suggests otherwise.

A Bond University law student, the 22-year-old by-passed the chance to further his studies in England and also play there by re-signing with the third-placed Reds.

"It was attractive and it would have been a great experience," he said.

"But at the present time this is the best thing for my career.

"Queensland is on the cusp of great things and I want to be a part of that."

McKenzie felt Daley, a three-Test rookie last year, was continuing to close the gap on world-class Waratah Benn Robinson as the Wallabies' top-choice loose-head.

"He's pushing the right space and the right buttons," the coach said.

"You have to be able to build your team around individuals like Ben and it's great that he's staying, it's terrific.

"He's a very courageous player and he really gives 100 per cent every time, he's not someone you have to motivate.

"That leadership is important."

Combined with Daley's return, Queensland gained a double front-row boost with Test tight-head James Slipper overcoming a collarbone injury faster than expected to confront a wily Rebels scrum led by Greg Somerville.

While the Melbourne side have suspended Danny Cipriani and Richard Kingi and have James Hilgendorf and Jarrod Saffy in doubt, the Reds are near full strength for the AAMI Park clash.

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane (facial fracture) also returns from injury and McKenzie has brought regular starters Saia Faingaa, Rob Simmons, Radike Samo and Anthony Faingaa back into his starting side after they played off the bench in Wellington.

The Queensland team is: Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Leroy Houston, Jake Schatz, Will Chambers, Dom Shipperley.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP