South Sydney’s star fullback, Latrell Mitchell, has been officially ruled out of the upcoming State of Origin Game 2, with coach Wayne Bennett confirming the playmaker is unlikely to return to the field until at least Round 17. This setback means Mitchell will miss a significant chunk of the NRL season, impacting both his club and state commitments.
Mitchell initially suffered a back injury in Round 9 against the Newcastle Knights. While he managed a brief return in Round 11 after a week’s rest, the issue was aggravated during a clash against the Dolphins. This re-injury unfortunately forced him to miss the opening game of the State of Origin series for New South Wales. Souths had held out hope for a return in Round 14, which would have coincided with selection for Origin 2.
However, Bennett revealed on Sunday that Mitchell’s recovery is not progressing as anticipated. The veteran coach indicated that the focus is now on a Round 17 comeback against the Parramatta Eels. This timing is significant as it falls just before the squad for Origin 3 will be finalised.
“His back is no worse, it’s just taken a little longer to rehab, that’s all,” Bennett told the Sydney Morning Herald. “He won’t be picked in Origin. He won’t be back until we play Parra, which is after Origin 2.”
This extended layoff for Mitchell has a ripple effect on the NSW Origin squad. Prior to his injury, there was speculation that Stephen Crichton might face the axe from the Origin opener if Mitchell had been fit. However, with Mitchell’s continued absence, the Bulldogs skipper retained his centre position and is expected to hold his spot for Game 2 alongside fellow centre Kotoni Staggs.
The NSW coaching staff, led by Laurie Daley, faces further selection dilemmas. Tolu Koula’s availability for the left wing is uncertain, as he has not played a game leading into Origin 2. Koula sustained a concussion from a hit that led to Kalyn Ponga’s send-off, ruling him out of Manly’s crucial two games before the second Origin clash. Casey McLean impressed when he came off the bench to replace Koula, and his strong performance might have put him in contention for a starting spot.
Further Blows for the Blues
Mitchell’s absence is not the only concern for the NSW team. Bench hooker Blayke Brailey has also been ruled out of State of Origin 2 after fracturing his arm on Friday night. This is a significant loss for the Blues, who relied on Brailey’s impact from the bench.
Daley confirmed on Saturday that Api Koroisau, Connor Watson, and Wayde Egan are all in contention to fill the crucial hooker role vacated by Brailey. The decision will likely come down to the specific game plan and the strengths each player brings to the team.
On a more positive note for the Blues, halfback Mitch Moses is anticipated to be named for the Parramatta Eels next weekend, ahead of the Origin 2 fixture. Moses was a late withdrawal from Game 1 due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team camp.
If Moses is fit and available for Origin 2, Daley will face a challenging decision regarding the five-eighth position. Ethan Strange, who was instrumental in the Blues’ Game 1 victory, might have to revert to a bench role if Daley opts to reinstate Moses into the starting No. 6 jersey. This potential reshuffling highlights the depth of talent within the NSW squad, but also the difficult choices faced by selectors when key players return from injury. The ongoing injury concerns underscore the physical demands of the NRL season and the importance of player welfare, particularly during the intense State of Origin period.
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