‘If he is okay’: Concerns over Latrell as injured Blues trio races clock for Suncorp showdown

Latrell Mitchell was a no show at a major media opportunity on Wednesday, where a couple of injured Blues gave major updates on their State of Origin chances.

There’s mixed news for the Blues with two injured stars on track to play in Brisbane while Latrell Mitchell remains in doubt. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

Blues stars Cameron Murray and Liam Martin are on track to play in next week’s must win State of Origin game in Brisbane, but teammate Latrell Mitchell is racing the clock to overcome a calf injury which ruled him out of the series’ opener.

The South Sydney fullback didn’t participate in Wednesday’s main media session, with reports he was working with the team’s physio after getting through some light duties at training.

Mitchell missed the loss in Adelaide after hurting his calf at the team’s final session in Sydney before flying out, and it will have been more than a month since his last game for Souths if he’s cleared to take on Queensland.

Stephen Crichton is on standby to step in again at left centre, but Murray is confident his Rabbitohs teammate will do everything he can to be right.

Latrell Mitchell didn’t take part in Wednesday’s main media session and is in doubt to be fit for next week’s must win Origin match. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Latrell is a proven big game player. If he is okay, then I know he’s going to out and do his best for his state and play to his strengths,” the South Sydney lock said.

“Trell is always hungry to play footy and he loves doing this. He loves playing with his teammates and he’s a passionate man, so hopefully he is in a good spot.”

Murray is no certainty to play next Wednesday as he continues to recover from the groin injury he suffered while playing the Titans two weeks ago.

That came a few days after the loss in Adelaide, and Murray admits he wasn’t 100 per cent fit for the game on the Gold Coast.

Cameron Murray was ruled out of South Sydney’s game against the Dragons but is on track to return for the Blues. Picture: NRL Photos

“I was a little bit sore and fatigued from Wednesday night, but I just thought it was general soreness which I thought was going to go away, which it didn’t,” he revealed.

“It didn’t warm up properly through the game and got progressively worse before I got caught in that tackle where I felt it go. It was pretty hard to run after that.

“It wasn’t great timing, but injuries are a part of the game. I’m trying to see the silver lining and that is my body can probably do with a bit of a rest after a tough few months to start the season.”

The 25-year-old has assured Blues fans he’s progressing well and that he’s on track to resume full training by Sunday.

“I did most of my own stuff today,” he said.

“The physio here watched me do my second run so he could understand what I’m doing and what the progression needs to look like.

“We just built in some stride running, a few changes of direction, some acceleration and deceleration sprints and then some volume conditioning mixed in with an agility block.

“I was happy with how it went.”

Liam Martin is following the NRL’s strict concussion protocols after a sickening collision on Saturday. Picture; NRL Photos

Fellow bench forward Liam Martin is also in good spirits after he was concussed while making a tackle in Penrith’s win over the Roosters.

The World Cup winner had four stitches as a result of the tackle, conceding his technique went out the window when he rushed out of the line to tackle Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

“I got it wrong,” he said.

“Watching it back, I said to our defensive coach at Penrith that it was an awful technique. I had a bit of a red moment and was too fired up, so I tried to fly out of the line with no technique.”

Martin says he’s fully recovered but he won’t be able to do contact work until Tuesday due to the NRL’s mandatory 11-day stand down concussion policy, which means he’ll have just one main session before the game.

Martin is one of the most important players for the Blues after his starring role off the bench in Adelaide. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

“I felt fine in the sheds straight away. I passed the first test and the one 48 hours later. There was no headache or other symptoms,” he said.

“I’m not too sure what the protocols are, but I just do as I’m told by the medical team.

“I went for a light run today. I think by the backend of the week I’ll be allowed to jump into team skills with the bib on. But obviously I have to avoid contact until next week.”

Originally published as ‘If he is okay’: Concerns over Latrell as injured Blues trio races clock for Suncorp showdown