Huge blow for NSW Blues as Latrell Mitchell set to be ruled out of State of Origin III decider with a foot injury
- Latrell Mitchell misses NSW Blues’ Origin deciding game
- He reportedly injured his foot during the Rabbitohs win over Eels
- Mitchell was a standout for NSW in the second game at the MCG
The NSW Blues are in disarray as star player Latrell Mitchell could miss the deciding match of the State of Origin series in Brisbane due to a foot injury.
The 27-year-old will reportedly undergo further scans on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.
Mitchell reportedly suffered the injury in the first half of the Rabbitohs’ win over Parramatta on Thursday night, but he continued to play despite the pain.
Players such as Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Canterbury’s Matt Burton and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic have been mentioned as possible replacements.
Sea Eagles star Trbojevic will also play at centre against the Cowboys on Saturday night as he returns from injury.
Sydney Roosters star Joseph Suaalii could also return to Michael Maguire’s team after serving a four-match suspension for his late foul on Reece Walsh during the season opener in Sydney on June 5.
Mitchell has found good form at South Sydney, where the Rabbitohs have won five consecutive NRL games in the battle for a place in the finals.
He was also a standout for the Blues during their 38-18 victory at the MCG in the second leg.
The NSW Blues are in turmoil as star forward Latrell Mitchell is unlikely to feature in the deciding match of the State of Origin series in Brisbane due to a foot injury
Mitchell is believed to have sustained the injury in the first half of the Rabbitohs’ win over Parramatta on Thursday night, but played through the pain
“It’s been a long time. I love playing Origin. I bleed blue and I’m glad to be back,” he said after the match in Melbourne.
With the series now level at 1-1, the deciding match between NSW and Queensland will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.
Queensland coach Billy Slater is chasing his third straight series win, with NSW last winning the interstate shield in 2021.