All is not lost for axed Queensland backrower Sam Thaiday, it seems.

Despite his days in Queensland’s maroon jersey appearing over, Thaiday says he has not given up on playing game No.30 for Queensland.

The Broncos veteran was a high profile casualty after Queensland wielded the axe following their record 28-4 game one loss in Brisbane.

Queensland skipper Cameron Smith suggested it may have been the final curtain call for the veteran forwards who were cut from game one – Thaiday, Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman.

“It’s just time for those guys to move on and see some young guys come in,” Smith said of their game two changing of the guard.

However, Thaiday is not giving up just yet and he gets his first chance to press for a Maroons return when he runs out for Brisbane in Saturday’s NRL clash in Canberra.

“I’m definitely missing not being part of camp and disappointed I can’t be part of Origin II,” Thaiday told the Broncos website.

“But after a tough loss like that, changes have to be made and I was on the receiving end of it.

“I will continue to play footy for the Broncos and hope my chance comes for game three, or even into next year.

“All I can do is keep putting my hand up for the Broncos again.”

Thaiday believes he has an ideal chance to press his Queensland claims against the monster Canberra pack this weekend.

He hopes to step up against the Raiders with skipper Darius Boyd, backrower Matt Gillett and lock Josh McGuire aiming to back up from Origin II for Brisbane in the nation’s capital.

“I have a fantastic opportunity to play against a big forward pack in the Canberra side,” Thaiday said.

“We are unsure who will back up after Origin on Wednesday night.

“I’ve been training here on an edge with Matt Gillett in camp. If he comes back feeling a little ginger or sore, I am happy to put my hand up.

“And with Josh McGuire as well, if he gets through a lot of minutes on the field I can fill in a gap there.”