Tom Trbojevic’s Origin audition falls flat as leading contender emerges

Tom Trbojevic’s hopes of returning to the NSW Blues line-up appear shot after he failed to have an impact on Saturday night.

Tom Trbojevic’s Origin audition went up in flames. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Tom Trbojevic’s State of Origin audition didn’t go according to plan on Saturday night.

The Manly Sea Eagles star was thrust into the spotlight in the wake of news surrounding Latrell Mitchell’s foot injury.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

The injury all but ruled the Rabbitohs star out of the Origin decider, with Trbojevic tipped to be a contender to replace him in the NSW Blues line-up.

In his first outing in nearly two months after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Manly star had a minimal impact on the contest as the Sea Eagles went up against the North Queensland.

Trbojevic, 27, appeared out on his feet in the dying stages of the match as he finished with 70 run metres from 13 runs and 23 tackles.

Despite Trbojevic’s minor impact, the Sea Eagles held on to secure the 21-20 win in a golden point thriller.

The Cowboys came home with a wet sail but Scott Drinkwater and Valentine Holmes couldn’t capitalise on field goal attempts.

Daly Cherry-Evans made no mistake when he was presented with an opportunity to take the points as he nailed his kick in the first period of golden point.

Turbo failed to fire on Saturday night. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The lacklustre outing from Trbojevic puts Bradman Best in the driver’s seat as the leading contender to take Mitchell’s place.

Best was sensational for the Blues in Game 3 last year as he scored two tries to establish himself as a future Origin star.

After being unavailable for Game 1, he was overlooked for Game 2 but now looms as the man that will be named in Mitchell’s place.

The Newcastle Knights star has been in scintillating form throughout the 2024 season, scoring seven tries in his 13 appearances.

Who will replace Latrell Mitchell?

“I’ve put myself in good stead. Hopefully the boys don’t get injured but if I get the call-up, I’ll be happy and take the opportunity with both hands,” Best said of a possible Origin return following last week’s 34-26 win over the Eels.

“I got a taste of it last year and loved it, and didn’t get picked this year, but that’s all good. There’s always time to play in those teams.

“I’ve got to come in and do a job first and foremost with the club here at the Knights. I love playing footy and rep honours will come later on.”

Best and the Knights will be in action on Sunday afternoon when they go up against the Canberra Raiders from 4:05pm (AEST).

Best looks like he’ll be the man to replace Latrell. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Canterbury Bulldogs star Matt Burton also put his name in contention for a Blues call up after leading his side to back-to-back golden point wins.

He backed up his round 17 heroics against the Cronulla Sharks by kicking the matchwinning field goal against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday afternoon.

“I’ve had a lot of experience (at centre) in the previous years. It’s sort of second nature to me. I’m happy to play anywhere, really,” Burton said ahead of Game 1.

“Obviously that versatility helps.

“I’m hoping I can get that call. We’ll see what happens.”

The Blues are expected to name an otherwise unchanged line-up 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, Mitchell will most likely be replaced at fullback at Souths by impressive 20-year-old Jye Gray.