- Latrell Mitchell may be forced to be available for Origin
- Mitchell is reportedly considering skipping this year’s series.
- South Sydney Rabbitohs are in terrible form
Latrell Mitchell may be forced to make himself available for State of Origin, with the NRL confirming clubs and players are contractually obliged to do so.
Mitchell is reportedly considering skipping this year’s main event in a bid to help South Sydney bounce back from their dismal start to the season.
The Rabbitohs defender has missed the last two games through suspension, but will return in Round 10, with enough time to continue his claim for a NSW jersey.
Blues coach Michael Maguire will pick his first Origin team in just over a month, ahead of his first game as coach on June 5 in Sydney.
Mitchell may be overlooked anyway, with Maguire indicating he wants clear-headed players to represent the Blues.
Latrell Mitchell has been warned not to be available for State of Origin
Mitchell sat out NSW’s back-to-back series defeats but was selected at center last fit for Origin in 2021.
NRL officials confirmed to AAP on Monday that players are contractually obliged to be available for selection, and clubs must release them if they are picked.
Some exemptions are allowed.
Kalyn Ponga retired from Queensland last year on medical reasons, after a long period out of action due to repeated concussions.
South Sydney center Jack Wighton is also unavailable, having retired from representative football last year.
The NRL is not concerned about any changing tide around Origin, nor that the lack of availability could become a trend.
But they are also very aware of the importance of the series to the game’s financial results.
NRL bosses remain firmly of the view that the game’s best players should appear on Origin, not least because of the streaming revenue it generates.
Mitchell is reportedly considering skipping this year’s series.
South Sydney’s board will meet on Tuesday as pressure remains firmly on coach Jason Demetriou.
The Rabbitohs’ 1-6 start to the season is their worst in 16 years, and the club faces a battle to bounce back and reach the finals.
Demetriou was given more time after his side’s brave loss to Cronulla earlier this month, but Souths backed him up with a 54-20 thrashing at the hands of Melbourne on Anzac Day.
South Sydney will take on three-time defending premiers Penrith on Thursday at Accor Stadium, before a draw eases their way a bit.