New South Wales have been dealt a major blow just six days out from Origin II with star centre Latrell Mitchell reportedly ruled out.
Mitchell has been battling a calf strain, which he suffered in camp three days out from the series opener.
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There was hope he would be fully recovered in time to take his place in the side for Wednesday’s must-win clash at Suncorp Stadium, but according to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, he hasn’t.
Mitchell reportedly told NSW coach Brad Fittler just after lunchtime on Thursday that he wouldn’t right to play on Wednesday.
The Blues’ 18th man Stephen Crichton will slot into the centres, as he did for game one, and Bulldogs star Matt Burton has been called into the squad as a new reserve — as confirmed by Phil Gould.
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With the Origin series on the line, it’s the last thing the Blues need — and it’s also not their only injury concern.
Mitchell’s Rabbitohs teammate Cameron Murray also went into camp carrying a groin strain, while Liam Martin will go into the game with limited preparation given he’s been stood down for 11 days under the NRL’s concussion policy following a head knock last Saturday.
MORE TO COME.
