Australian coach Mal Meninga says Sam Thaiday omission from the Maroons squad for Origin Game Two in Sydney on Wednesday night does not mean the veteran forwards representative career is over.

Thaiday was one of seven changes to the Qld team as Maroon selectors look to stiffen the Qld defence in the middle and add some power out wide.

Meninga (pictured) says while Thaiday lack of form for Qld justified his omission, good form for Brisbane would see him remain in contention for Australia later in the season.