NSW Blues disaster as Latrell Mitchell goes down injured
The NSW Blues have copped a major blow in their hopes of winning the Origin decider with Latrell Mitchell going down injured.
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The NSW Blues have copped a major blow in their hopes of winning the Origin decider on July 17 with Latrell Mitchell going down injured.
News Corp is reporting the South Sydney superstar injured his foot during the Rabbitohs’ 32-16 win over Parramatta on Thursday night but continued playing with the injury.
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It’s believed that Mitchell sustained the injury in the 68th minute of the contest. The Rabbitohs fullback gingerly returned to his feet following a tackle from Parramatta debutant Jake Tago.
The 27-year-old will reportedly have scans on Saturday afternoon however it is understood he will be sidelined for multiple weeks and is almost no chance of being fit for Origin Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium.
The NSW Blues will name their team for the Origin decider on Sunday evening with Tom Trbojevic and Bradman Best both options to replace Mitchell at centre.
“Latrell Mitchell looks as though he’s out of Origin with a foot injury,” News Corp reporter Brent Read told Triple M’s Saturday Scrum on Saturday afternoon.
“He’s got to have further scans this afternoon, but he looks like being out for a few weeks.
“That would obviously bring Tom Trbojevic, Bradman Best, and maybe Joseph Suaalii (into contention).”
Wests Tigers legend Steve Roach said throwing Trbojevic straight back into the side would be a big ask after being sidelined for nearly two months with a hamstring injury.
“That’s a big ask for Tommy Turbo if Latrell is out, and it looks he is going to be out, to come back into that side after one game,” Roach said on Fox League.
“Let’s not forget Bradman Best, a true left centre … I reckon he might come into the equation now too. He’s in form, let’s give him a chance.”
Former Queensland representative Corey Parker continued: “If Tom Tom Trbojevic gets through tonight unscathed and has a nice hitout, I expect him to be injected straight back into that NSW side.
“He is an incredible player … Trbojevic is damaging and can play in a different array of positions in case of injury.
“All eyes will be on that Manly game.”
NRL great Boyd Cordner spoke about the brutal news on Saturday afternoon on 2GB: “It’s hard to hear that. Because just in camp the week before it’s probably the most focused I’ve ever seen Latrell.”
Paul Gallen added: “He’s in such good form, playing such good footy, gives everyone else in the team confidence. It’s such a shame. Let’s hope there’s some sort of hope he can play.”
The Blues are expected to name an otherwise unchanged lineup after they blew the Maroons off the park in their 38-18 Game 2 win at the MCG to level the series at one win each.
In terms of club football, Latrell will most likely be replaced at fullback at Souths by impressive 20-year-old Jye Gray.
Originally published as NSW Blues disaster as Latrell Mitchell goes down injured
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