NRL Early Mail Round 17: Latrell Mitchell’s injury comeback delayed, which Origin players back-up?

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is set to miss their Cowboys clash, but it isn’t all bad news for South Sydney, with another key bunny returning from injury.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Luke Keary of the Roosters prior to play during the round 16 NRL match between Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell comeback has been delayed a further week with star fullback yet to complete a full training session.

Mitchell will miss the club’s clash with the Cowboys with a calf injury sidelining him for the past four weeks which also robbed him of playing for NSW in State of Origin on Wednesday night.

Latrell Mitchell’s comeback has been delayed by a further week, as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. Picture: Getty Images.

While able to do small amounts of running, Mitchell is aiming to increase his speed at the end of this week.

It’s not all bad news for the Rabbitohs ahead of their clash with the Cowboys, with five-eighth Cody Walker (quad) and Thomas Burgess (back) on track to return from injury.

NSW forward Cam Murray will be named to back-up for the Rabbitohs while Peter Mamouzelos will be selected on standby for Blues hooker Damien Cook.

Cody Walker is set to make his return from a quad injury. Picture: Getty Images.

Cameron Murray is set to back up from NSW duties, assuming he gets through Origin Game II unscathed. Picture: Getty Images.

CHOOKS STAR CLEARED OF BROKEN JAW

Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary could be a shock selection for Sunday’s clash with Canberra after being cleared of a fractured jaw.

X-rays cleared him of a broken jaw as was feared from collecting the boot of Newcastle winger Dom Young.

Keary has screws and a plate in his jaw after breaking it in 2018 and the incident with Young may have knocked them loose.

The veteran had a second round of scans on Monday clearing him of any facial fractures and later took part in non-contact training.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he would make a decision early on Tuesday after consulting with Keary and the club’s medical staff in regards to him playing this weekend.

“If he’s available, then awesome. He’s a world class player, and I love playing outside him. If not, then it’s a next manup mentality. We’ll wait and see how he goes with scans, and we’ll go from there,” said Roosters centre Billy Smith on Monday.

Veteran Drew Hutchison came on to replace Keary alongside rookie Sandon Smith, with the pair doing enough to eke out two valuable competition points that has breathed new life into their clunky campaign.

Luke Keary has been cleared of a broken jaw but may still need surgery.

Manu’s spot in the team has always been a point of contention, and Robinson has a big choice to make, especially if Keary isn’t cleared to play this weekend.

The Golden Boot winner struggled in the halves this season but didn’t get enough ball when he played at right centre, while fullback has been out of the question while Tedesco is around, even though it’s Manu’s best position.

“Lucky I’m not a head coach so I don’t have to make that call,” Smith joked.

DRAGONS v WARRIORS

Friday, 8pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons: Jack Bird (rested) and Jack de Belin (concussion) will return to bolster the back-row of the Dragons.

This will see Jaiyden Hunt and Ben Murdoch-Masila revert to the bench.

St George Illawarra will name disgruntled captain Ben Hunt when they announce their team this afternoon.

There has been widespread conjecture regarding Hunt since he formally asked for a release on Sunday. Despite the uncertainty, the Dragons will name their captain to take on the Warriors in Wollongong on Friday night.

The club wants him to play depending how he recovers from Wednesday’s Origin. Hunt has not given any indication that he will make himself unavailable for the clash.

Warriors: Te Maire Martin is due back from a leg injury, giving coach Andrew Webster a tough decision as to whether he starts in place of Luke Metcalf or if he is forced to earn his way back into the team.

Edward Kosi and Rocco Berry are both due back from injury and will push for places in the backline.

Mitchell Barnett will miss one week due to a suspension.

DOLPHINS v EELS

Saturday, 3pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium

Dolphins: Brenko Lee (ankle) and Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) are both in doubt to face the Eels.

If unavailable, Valynce Te Whare and Ray Stone/Kurt Donoghoe would likely slot into the starting team.

Sean O’Sullivan is nearing a return from a pectoral injury, while Felise Kaufusi played QLD Cup while the Dolphins were on the bye.

Kaufusi will return on the edge, pushing Kenny Bromwich back into a middle role.

Eels: Josh Hodgson is dealing with a neck issue and is pushing to return against the Dolphins.

Shaun Lane is also closing in on his return from a hamstring injury, but will likely require another week.

Heilum Luki off after accidental elbow to the face, passed his HIA but won’t return with Cowboys fearing a facial fracture. If fracture confirmed best case (minor & in the “right” spot) can miss as little as 2-3 weeks, but up to 6-8 weeks if a more complex fracture pic.twitter.com/gvKq4vlyin

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 16, 2023

PANTHERS v KNIGHTS

Saturday, 5:30pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers: After suffering a concussion in Penrith’s Round 15 win over the Roosters, Liam Martin may be rested after Origin two.

Moses Leota is due back in the front-row after awaiting the arrival of a baby over the weekend that saw him miss the clash with the Cowboys.

Knights: Daniel Saifiti is due back at prop after being a late scratching in the loss to the Roosters.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon must pass concussion protocols to take his place on the edge. If out, Tyson Frizell would be a direct edge replacement provided he gets through Origin unscathed.

STORM v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 7:35pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm: Eliesa Katoa is likely to return on the edge after suffering a cut on his eye in the win over Cronulla, pushing Tom Eisenhuth to the bench.

Justin Olam is due back from a concussion at centre, pushing Marion Seve out of the team.

Christian Welch is due back from suspension at prop.

Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates take part in Wednesday’s Origin.

Sea Eagles: No forced changes are expected at Manly who will be hoping their Origin contingent back-up.

On the tight three day turnaround, the club may opt to rest Tom Trbojevic after game two.

Harry Grant has a three-day turnaround from Origin. Picture: Getty

BRONCOS v TITANS

Sunday, 2pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Broncos: Selwyn Cobbo will miss Origin two due to a hip injury that has him in major doubt to face the Titans.

If unavailable, Jesse Arthurs would start on the wing.

Titans: Kieran Foran is due back from a toe injury, which will likely see Jayden Campbell shift back to a bench role.

David Fifita missed the Titans’ last game due to a concussion.

He played restricted minutes off the bench after the Origin opener.

RABBITOHS v COWBOYS

Sunday, 4:05pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell remains in serious doubt to lace up for the Rabbitohs after being ruled out of Origin two with a calf injury.

If unavailable, Blake Taaffe would continue on at fullback where he will also kick goals.

Cam Murray is under an injury cloud heading into Origin two with a groin injury.

South Sydney may opt to spell him after Origin if he gets through the game okay.

Cody Walker is due back from a quad injury at five-eighth, pushing Dean Hawkins out of the team.

Davvy Moale is nearing a return from a knee injury.

Cowboys: Heilum Luki suffered a suspected facial fracture in the win over the Panthers which may see him miss several weeks if confirmed.

If unavailable, Luciano Leilua would join Jeremiah Nanai on the edge, provided the latter gets through Origin unscathed.

ROOSTERS v RAIDERS

Sunday, 6:15pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Roosters: Luke Keary has been cleared of a broken jaw and is set to be named, although he may still need surgery to fix a loose plate in his jaw.

If out, Sandon Smith would retain his place in the halves alongside Joey Manu, provided James Tedesco backs up from Origin.

Victor Radley returns from suspension at lock, pushing Naufahu Whyte to the bench.

Raiders: No changes expected at the Raiders following their last start loss to the Warriors.