Fears it is all over for Latrell Mitchell in 2024
Latrell Mitchell and Rabbitohs fans have been given some brutal news with fears emerging about the mercurial star.
There are fears it is all over for Latrell Mitchell in 2024 after confirmation the Bunnies superstar has suffered a Lisfranc injury.
It emerged on Saturday Mitchell would miss the State of Origin series decider on July 17 after he injured his foot late in 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 reportedly had scans on Saturday afternoon and will now consult with a specialist on Tuesday before deciding the best treatment option.
The SMH first reported Mitchell will miss at least four weeks of football — as the best case scenario for his recovery.
The other treatment option is for Mitchell to undergo surgery. A foot operation would mean the end of his season.
It is a huge bow for NSW as the head into Game 3 of the Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.
The 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.
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.
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