Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out of Origin II as NSW Blues Crisis Deepens
NSW State of Origin plans have been thrown into fresh uncertainty after Latrell Mitchell was officially ruled out of Game Two, with the star centre still battling a lingering back injury that has refused to settle in time for selection.
South Sydney officials confirmed Mitchell will not feature in the coming weeks, with his rehabilitation taking longer than expected after a setback that flared during his return from earlier injury concerns. Club coach Wayne Bennett made it clear the focus is now on recovery rather than rushing him back, stating the centre is unlikely to return until after the Origin period when South Sydney meet Parramatta.
For the New South Wales Blues, the timing is a significant blow. Mitchell had been viewed as a potential game-changing option in the centres, but selectors will now be forced to continue with their current combinations. Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs are expected to hold their positions, giving coach Laurie Daley continuity in the outside backs.
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Attention now shifts to the halves, where Mitchell Moses is edging closer to a return after his own hamstring issue. If he proves his fitness at club level, he is expected to reclaim the No.6 jersey, pushing emerging talent Ethan Strange into a utility role despite his standout debut performance in Game One.
Daley has praised Moses’ experience at Origin level, suggesting loyalty and proven quality could be decisive as the Blues look to stabilise their attacking structure. Meanwhile, squad depth continues to be tested with injuries also impacting players like Blayke Brailey, while key forwards including Payne Haas and Liam Martin remain in the selection frame.
The bigger picture for New South Wales is control and consistency. After a shaky start in the series opener, where early errors put them under pressure, selectors are now weighing whether to stick with experience or reward emerging form under pressure.
As the countdown to Game Two continues, every selection decision carries added weight and Mitchell’s absence only intensifies the spotlight on how the Blues respond under pressure.
Stay with us as we continue to track every development in the Origin build-up, with more updates as team selections are finalised and final squads are confirmed.
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