NSW State of Origin hopeful Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the series decider after suffering a calf injury during training with South Sydney. The Rabbitohs star, who has been sidelined since round nine with a back issue, returned to training over the weekend but felt soreness in his calf during warm-ups on Monday. He underwent scans after leaving the pitch with a trainer.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett confirmed on Tuesday that the calf injury, stemming from Mitchell's lower back problem, will sideline him for at least two weeks. This rules him out of Souths' round 17 clash against Parramatta and the Origin decider. Mitchell had earlier told Fox League he was pushing to play in round 17, but his recovery from the back injury dragged on, leading him to rule himself out of Origin I last month.
Mitchell's absence is a significant blow for NSW, who suffered a heavy defeat in game two. The 29-year-old centre has played 11 Origin games and is typically an automatic selection when fit. Blues selectors now face decisions in the centres, with Kotoni Staggs struggling in game two and Tolu Koula having limited Origin experience.
Several candidates are available for selection. Canterbury's Stephen Crichton returned from a shoulder injury to kick a match-winning field goal against Manly. Bradman Best set up a try on his return from a calf injury for Newcastle and has impressed in two previous Origin appearances. Penrith's Casey McLean, ruled out of Origin II with a quad injury, may recover in time for the decider.
Souths fullback Jye Gray described Mitchell's setback as devastating, while teammate Lachlan Hubner noted Mitchell would likely return to the NSW side if fit. The Blues will now look to reshuffle their lineup ahead of the series finale.
