- Mitchell to miss Origin decider with foot injury
- Souths superstar could miss remainder of NRL season
- Mitchell stood out for NSW in the second game at the MCG
NSW Blues and Rabbitohs fans are in shock as it has been confirmed star centre Latrell Mitchell will miss the State of Origin series decider in Brisbane – and possibly the rest of their NRL season.
Mitchell suffered a foot injury in the Rabbitohs’ win over Parramatta on Thursday night but played through the pain.
On Sunday, The Sydney Morning Herald Mitchell is reported to be out for at least the next month with a Lisfranc injury.
The 27-year-old is understood to undergo further scans this week to determine the severity of the injury and whether he will have to sit out the season.
Players such as Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Canterbury’s Matt Burton and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic are tipped as possible replacements.
Sea Eagles star Trbojevic failed to make an impact on Saturday night against the Cowboys in his return from a hamstring injury.
Former NSW Blues prop Steve Roach believes bringing Trbojevic straight back into the Blues squad would be a great move given he has been out of action for almost two months.
“It’s a lot to ask of Tommy Turbo if Latrell is out, and it looks like he will be out, to come back into that (New South Wales) team after one game,” Roach said on Fox League.
Latrell Mitchell (pictured) has been confirmed to miss the State of Origin decider later this month
The Bunnies superstar suffered a Lisfranc injury and could miss the rest of the season
“Let’s not forget Bradman Best, a genuine left-centre spinner… I think he could also come into the equation now. He’s in form, let’s give him a chance.”
Sydney Roosters star Joseph Suaalii could also be drafted back into Michael Maguire’s squad after serving a four-game suspension for his late hit on Reece Walsh in the series opener in Sydney on June 5.
Mitchell had hit a hot streak at South Sydney in recent weeks, with the Rabbitohs winning five straight NRL matches as they chase a finals berth.
He also stood out for the Blues in their 38-18 victory at the MCG in the second game.
“It’s been a long time. I love playing Origin. I’m blue in blood and I’m happy to be back,” Mitchell said after the match in Melbourne.
With the series tied at 1-1, the decider between New South Wales and Queensland will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 17 July.
Queensland coach Billy Slater is seeking a third successive series win, with New South Wales last lifting the interstate shield in 2021.
