Origin watch: NSW Blues send SOS to Latrell Mitchell amid injury crisis
As Brad Fittler eyes the biggest game of his coaching career, NSW officials are planning an SOS ahead of State of Origin Game Two at Suncorp Stadium.
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The fitness of Souths trio Latrell Mitchell, Cam Murray and Cody Walker has wide-reaching ramifications for NSW coach Brad Fittler, who is on the cusp of the biggest game of his coaching career.
Blues officials are planning an SOS call to superstar Latrell Mitchell to confirm if he will be right to help NSW stop Queensland from wrapping up this year’s State of Origin series.
The critical make-up of the NSW team for a series-deciding Origin II on June 21 could also include outstanding South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker, who has emerged as a NSW halves contender.
Despite being ruled out this weekend with a quad injury, Walker has told Souths officials he is refusing to draw a line through his Origin availability.
Mitchell hasn’t played any football since injuring his calf at Blues training on the Sunday prior to Origin I. His first run to test the calf is likely to be on Monday.
However, members of the NSW coaching staff are planning to talk to Mitchell, and possibly Walker directly, to understand their chances of being fit for selection.
Walker suffered a low-grade quad strain at Rabbitohs training last Wednesday. He took no part in Thursday’s training session, working inside Rabbitohs HQ with the club’s high performance staff.
A third Rabbitoh, club captain and NSW forward Cameron Murray (groin), is also pushing his body to prove he’s fit for selection ahead of NSW naming their team for Origin II on Monday night.
Mitchell (calf), Walker and Murray will all be watching from the grandstand when the Rabbitohs tackle St George Illawarra at WIN Jubilee Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The trio’s availability has wide-reaching ramifications for Fittler.
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou said all three remained “live” options for NSW despite being unable to suit-up for Souths against the Dragons.
“Cody’s not bad at all, he can’t play this weekend but Origin is just under two weeks away, and he’s every chance of being available for it,’’ Demetriou said.
“It’s up to the selectors and then our physios and the NSW’s physios having discussions and taking it from there.
“It’s a minor quad strain. It’s a grade one. Quads are an easier injury to get over. He’ll be running next week.”
Asked if he could determine who of either Mitchell or Murray were a greater chance of being fit for the Blues, Demetriou replied: “They’re doing their off-feet stuff and rehab.
“We’ll see where they’re at on Sunday or Monday. There’s no point running them early. We’ll give them every chance to recover.”
Demetriou called on the NSW coaching staff to back the experience of the trio over the presumption that they would be available to train with the team on day one of a 10-day camp.
“That’s the thing with these guys, if they’re picking them, then there will be a bit of rehabbing them early in the week, then looking to ramp it up later in the week,” Demetriou said.
“We’re 16 weeks into an NRL season, and heading into game two of Origin, there are not too many blokes who will be ready to ramp up for a 10-day camp straight away.
“Parramatta play Monday, so those guys won’t be running until Wednesday or Thursday.
“If they’re fit (Mitchell, Murray and Walker), they’ll be good to train from Thursday or Friday, which gives them plenty of prep for a Wednesday (Origin) game.”
The Rabbitohs mentor did preface his opinion with the fact that it will be the club’s medical staff that determines if Mitchell, Murray and Walker are injury-free.
“I’m happy if my physio says, ‘they’re good to go’, then they’re good to go,” Demetriou said.
“If the physio and our doctor says it’s too high risk, they won’t be. That decision will come from our medical team.
“Our physio is in contact with their physio.”
Walker has emerged as a genuine Blues contender following a hamstring injury suffered by NSW starting halfback Nathan Cleary.
Cleary’s unavailability has led to the Blues deliberating over whether to leave Cleary’s Penrith halves partner Jarome Luai out of the side and instead go with a new-look halves pairing for game two.
Nicho Hynes, Mitchell Moses, Adam Reynolds and Walker are all under consideration.
Walker’s last appearance for NSW was in game three, 2020, which the Blues narrowly lost 20-14 at Suncorp Stadium.
NSW selectors have also noted Walker‘s successful combination with Hynes in the Indigenous All Stars side last February.
Crucially, it’s Walker’s combination with the Blues most-likely hooker for game two, Damien Cook, that could also sway NSW selectors.
Demetriou said Cook deserved to be recalled after missing out to Api Koroisau in Origin I.
Koroisau has suddenly been ruled out after suffering a fractured jaw on Thursday night.
“It’s funny how the wheel turns sometimes,” Demetriou said.
“He’s (Cook) got a game to play tomorrow, if he plays well and puts his hand up, he’s a big chance of getting back in.
“He’s been there and done that in successful teams, and in Queensland as well.
“They don’t lose much bringing him back in.”
ORIGIN WATCH: WHO’S IN CONTENTION FOR GAME TWO
DRAGONS v RABBITOHS
Saturday, 3pm, Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
Dragons
Ben Hunt: Walk-up start into the Maroons line-up provided he can get through the match unscathed.
Rabbitohs
Campbell Graham: A late scratching from game one with a sternum injury costing him a NSW debut. Has fallen behind in the pecking order now after Stephen Crichton’s performance with injuries his only chance of a recall.
Cody Walker: A push from some quarters to have Walker return to the Origin arena. Injury may rob him of making a late surge.
Tevita Tatola: Over-looked for Origin I but remains in the mix for an Origin shot. The Blues are potentially looking to replace Tevita Pangai Jr so Tatola can put his hand up.
Damien Cook: Lost his NSW spot in game one but is now a certainty for game two given the injury to Api Koroisau.
Keaon Koloamatangi: Injuries cruelled his chance of a shot at Blues selection. The only back-row spot which may be available is Hudson Young’s so would need a very strong game to be in the mix.
BRONCOS v KNIGHTS
Saturday, 5:30pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos
Reece Walsh: Game one star for Queensland. Automatic selection if fit.
Corey Oates: Will be an option should other Maroons players go down but an unlikely starter.
Kotoni Staggs: Despite some good form in recent weeks is unlikely to be considered unless the Blues injury crisis falls deeper.
Selwyn Cobbo: Was injured in Origin I and missed Brisbane’s last start win against Cronulla because of a hip injury. Only needs to get through the game to be picked.
Adam Reynolds: In a three-horse race to replace Nathan Clearly. Considered an outsider but his kicking game could be exactly what the Blues need.
Thomas Flegler: Will line-up for the Maroons again as long as he gets through the game.
Payne Haas: First prop picked NSW.
Kurt Capewell: Queensland veteran was overlooked for game one but injuries have opened the door for him to push his case. Unlikely but a chance.
Pat Carrigan: Could be a 10-year Origin player given how well he has taken to playing at the elite level.
Knights
Kalyn Ponga: Has ruled himself out of the series after reaching out to Billy Slater in the lead-up to Origin I.
Dane Gagai: The biggest omission from the Maroons game one line-up. Could still play some part in the series but only if the Maroons have a run of bad luck.
Daniel Saifiti: Went close in game one for a bench spot and has some admirers within the NSW set-up given his performances for the Blues in the past. Strong case for re-selection.
Tyson Frizell: One of the best players for NSW in Origin I after an Origin recall. Should be keeping his spot.
Jacob Saifiti: Unlikely for game two but was considered for the opening game. Could be competing with his brother for a spot.
ROOSTERS v PANTHERS
Saturday, 7:35pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Roosters
James Tedesco: Put aside any doubt on his spot in the side with a man of the match performance for the Roosters last week.
Lindsay Collins: Maroons big man will keep his spot in the side. Enjoyed bragging rights after leaping over Tedesco in the opener.
Angus Crichton: Still trying to find his feet since making his return. Unlikely for the Blues.
Panthers
Stephen Crichton: Was outstanding for NSW in game one but could be the unlucky player to miss out if Latrell Mitchell is rushed back into the side.
Brian To’o: Blues winger was enormous in Origin I. No danger of losing his spot.
Jarome Luai: Some conjecture regarding his position despite a star showing in the opener. Losing Nathan Cleary could hurt Luai but he should keep his spot.
Isaah Yeo: Was well below his best in Origin I but in no danger of losing his place in the 17.
Liam Martin: The Blues’ best player despite starting from the bench. Could force his way into the run-on side.
Spencer Leniu: Will challenge for a bench spot if the Blues want to try and match Queensland’s firepower.
STORM v SHARKS
Sunday, 4:05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Storm
Xavier Coates: Won’t be able to force his way back into the Maroons side unless there is an injury.
Cameron Munster: Just go back and watch the final 10 minutes in game one to show why Munster is becoming an Origin great.
Harry Grant: Will again share the dummy half duties with Ben Hunt.
Christian Welch: Was 19th man for game one and injuries have him back in contention. May not be a front-runner even with the Maroons’ casualty ward.
Sharks
Nicho Hynes: Played just 10 minutes in game one and missed a crucial tackle. Could again be the bench utility or be thrown into the starting side as Nathan Cleary’s replacement.
Blayke Brailey: Had three days in camp with NSW for game one. Would be a huge selection bolter if he were to jump Damien Cook and start for NSW.
Dale Finucane: Some support for an experienced player to help settle the NSW side.
Cameron McInnes: Versatility could see him land a spot on the bench. The NSW staff are big fans and could shake-up their side if they give McInnes a crack.
BULLDOGS v EELS
Monday, 4pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney
To come...
COMPLETED MATCHES
RAIDERS v WARRIORS
Friday, 6pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Raiders
Corey Horsburgh: Overlooked after being an outsider’s chance in game one, ‘Big Red’ has rocketed into contention for Suncorp following the injuries to Jai Arrow and Tom Gilbert. Will only enhance his claim for what would be a stunning Origin debut with another standout outing against the Warriors.
Hudson Young: Needs a strong performance. In danger of being dropped following an Origin debut which lasted just 30 minutes.
SEA EAGLES v DOLPHINS
Friday, 8pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Sea Eagles
Tom Trbojevic: Head knocks and hamstrings have plagued the Manly flyer. But is expected to be picked provided he comes through unscathed.
Daly Cherry-Evans: Only needs to get through the Dolphins game unscathed to overtake Johnathan Thurston and Mark Murray as the third most capped Maroons halfback.
Dolphins
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: A certainty to keep his spot in the centres after his game one heroics.
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