Origin Mail: Latrell Mitchell set to be overlooked for Origin I although teammate Cody Walker remains in the frame

Latrell Mitchell is likely to miss out on selection for the first Origin game, but a Rabbitohs teammate is still firmly in the frame. LATEST SELECTION NEWS

A late push for South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell to be rushed into the NSW team appears doomed although teammate Cody Walker remains squarely in the selection frame for State of Origin I, despite suffering a late injury setback.

And Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco is poised to fend off a powerful challenge from Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for the Blues’ fullback position.

Mitchell has made himself available for an Origin return should NSW coach Michael Maguire pick the South Sydney fullback.

There has been conjecture surrounding Mitchell’s availability but it is understood he has told those close to him that he wants to play for NSW despite suggestions otherwise.

Despite putting up his hand, it is unclear if Maguire will pick Mitchell to partner Stephen Crichton at centre with that position among the most contentious for the NSW coach.

Latrell Mitchell will likely not be picked for NSW in Game 1. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

While his form has been modest, coupled with a three-game suspension, Mitchell has still attracted heavyweight selection support from Blues legends Laurie Daley, Brad Fittler and.

Mitchell’s chances of selection are slim unless he can conjure an absolute blockbusting performance against Parramatta at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.

A theory that emerged late last month that Mitchell didn’t want to play State of Origin appears to have damaged his chances.

Souths chief executive Blake Solly set the record straight by declaring: “Latrell is available and has always been very passionate about playing for his state when given the opportunity.”

With Tom Trbojevic and Bradman Best unavailable, Canterbury’s Stephen Crichton will certainly be one NSW centre along with either Bulldogs’ teammate Matt Burton or Cronulla’s Jesse Ramien.

Walker has played under NSW coach Michael Maguire at Souths.

Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes and Penrith’s Jarome Luai are the halves’ favourites with Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses unavailable through injury.

Hynes can play both sides of the field, a role similar to Cleary.

Dylan Edwards will have to keep waiting for an Origin debut. Picture: NRL Photos

Walker has been denied a final chance to further his claims against the Eels after suffering a low-grade calf strain. However, there is a feeling inside NSW that Walker could and would rise another level if given another crack at State of Origin.

Tedesco is NSW skipper with many claiming he’s played well enough this season to retain position.

While Edwards has been relentlessly pursuing Tedesco for three years now, the Panthers fullback may have to wait a tad longer for his Origin debut.

Final confirmation will come after Tedesco’s Roosters play Canberra and Edwards’ Panthers confront Cronulla this weekend.

There is a theory Edwards hasn’t quite done enough to push Tedesco from the side.

Tedesco is also NSW’s leader, his experience vital given the loss of Cleary and Trbojevic.

The NSW coaching staff have a rough team picked but remain wary of late injuries and suspension.

Players in line for a NSW debut include Haumole Olakau’atu, Joseph Suaalii, Cam McInnes, Spencer Leniu and Warriors forward Mitch Barnett

NSW’s team is expected to be announced either Sunday night or Monday morning.

The Blues will remain in Sydney on Sunday and Monday before moving into camp at the Blue Mountains on Tuesday afternoon. Maguire will front a media conference on Monday.

Originally published as Origin Mail: Latrell Mitchell set to be overlooked for Origin I although teammate Cody Walker remains in the frame