State of Origin 2023: Latrell Mitchell out with calf injury, NSW Blues confirm replacement

Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the NSW State of Origin side for game two with coach Brad Fittler confirming his replacement. See how the Blues will line up in Game II.

Latrell Mitchell failed to overcome a calf injury. Picture: NRL Images

Cool cat Stephen Crichton has been parachuted into the biggest game of the year after the shock injury withdrawal of NSW State of Origin centre Latrell Mitchell.

With two premiership rings and elite-level experience, Crichton must help save the series for NSW against Queensland at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.

While the Blues are backing Crichton, the loss of Mitchell is considered so significant that his influential omission has caused an avalanche of money to come for the Maroons to wrap-up the series.

The Blues opened at $1.95 with the TAB to win game two but after this injury blow they are now out to a massive $2.80.

Queensland, starting short-priced favourites for the first time since 2019, have firmed from $1.85 into $1.46.

Hampered by a lingering calf injury originally suffered in NSW camp prior to game one, Mitchell’s attempts to recover in time for the blockbuster fell short on Thursday.

The champion Rabbitohs star knocked on NSW coach Brad Fittler’s hotel room door just after lunchtime.

Latrell Mitchell failed to overcome a calf injury. Picture: NRL Images

Mitchell, whose minimal training loads had been guided inside camp by his own personal physiotherapist in South Sydney specialist Eddie Farah, told Fittler he wouldn’t be 100 per cent and needed to pull out of the team.

NSW advisor Greg Alexander reaffirmed to this masthead the decision was entirely Mitchell’s call.

Before the emotional decision, the Blues had expressed an optimistic view that Mitchell would be right to feature in the series-defining clash with the Maroons.

However, privately they had concerns after he managed only light duties at a walking only session at Coogee Oval on Tuesday.

Mitchell made the call on the players’ official day off from training, wanting to give the NSW side - and Crichton - the best chance of a drama-free training session on Friday.

“We all would’ve loved to see Latrell out there, but we couldn’t be more comfortable with replacing Stephen coming in,’’ Alexander said.

“It was Latrell’s call in the end. He just didn’t feel right. We were all hoping, but it just wasn’t to be.’’

The Blues view Crichton, with athleticism and skill, as the perfect solution to filling the void of Mitchell.

The 22-year-old has been credited for single-handily winning the Panthers the 2021 grand final with his match-winning intercept try.

Plenty of commentators and experts also believed Crichton was the best player on the field for NSW in game one and that he should have been an automatic selection for game two instead of his 18th man position.

Cameron Murray, Liam Martin and Latrell Mitchell entered Blues camp under injury clouds. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty

“I thought Stephen was one of our better players in game one and everyone is confident that Stephen can do the job,’’ Alexander said.

“While it’s disappointing that Stephen had to rule himself out and won’t be there, Stephen has been training with us throughout this, as he was last camp.

“He’s prepared, ready and has been in good form for the Panthers and was good in game one.

“The one thing we know about Stephen is, he’s not afraid of going after a big game.

“He’s had some of the biggest moments any player could experience with his game-changing intercept in Penrith’s grand final and isn’t afraid of big atmosphere.’’

Canterbury’s Matt Burton will join the Blues as the 18th man and has been ruled out of the Dogs side to face Cronulla on Sunday.

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: Latrell Mitchell out with calf injury, NSW Blues confirm replacement