Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is set to withdraw from the Kangaroos selection for the end-of-season Test matches against New Zealand and Samoa.
Mitchell injured his hand late in the season and after initially trying physio, it’s now likely he’ll require surgery.
The 26-year-old will inform Australia’s coach Mal Meninga of his decision to pull out of the tournament on Tuesday, according to Phil Rothfield.
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“Latrell Mitchell I’m told tomorrow he’s set to withdraw from the Australian side for the matches against Samoa and New Zealand,” Rothfield said on NRL 360.
“He has a hand injury picked up late in the season, has seen a surgeon and it will probably require surgery. Souths have spoken to Mal Meninga and have said he’s unlikely.”
Braith Anasta then asked Rothfield why Mitchell waited to go under the knife considering his season ended weeks ago.
“Because I think they looked at other ways, physio and rehab etc,” Rothfield said.
“So what they’ve decided is instead of waiting six weeks until the Tests are over, get it done now, get a good pre-season with Souths.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that (Souths) are encouraging Trell to get it done early because Trell had trouble this year with his football, his long spell (off).
“They want him fit at the beginning of next season. This side missed the eight this year and he is their superstar and he does need a good off-season.”
Mitchell’s Souths and Kangaroos teammate Campbell Graham will also be unavailable with a sternum injury.
World Cup centre Valentine Holmes is currently facing an integrity unit investigation after posting a photo of himself on social media of what appears to be white bag in his mouth over the weekend.
The contenders to replace Mitchell will likely be Knights star Bradman Best, who made his NSW debut this year, Broncos’ gun Kotoni Staggs and Dolphins talisman Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
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Jack Wighton is also reportedly considering backflipping on his representative football retirement and making himself available for selection amid being referred straight to the NRL Judiciary this week for an alleged bite.
Wighton won the World Cup with the Kangaroos last November but stunned by announcing his rep retirement on the eve of State of Origin this year.
“There’s a bit of mail today that Jack is reconsidering,” Brent Read said.
“To help out his suspension?” Rothfield responded.
“It would help,” Read said.
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“So he’s now reconsidering selection for the Australian team, today, that’s coincidence,” Anasta said.
“You’re very cynical, Braith. I spoke to Mal and he said if Jack wants to make himself available, I won’t consider him until after the judiciary.”
Gorden Tallis then asked if the Roosters were trying to have Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ seven-game ban reduced by earning selection for New Zealand.
“No they’re not because Madge is on record saying he won’t be in the New Zealand side,” Rothfield said.
The Kangaroos play Samoa on October 14 in Townsville and the Kiwis on October 28 at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
The final of the tri-nations tournament will be played on November 4.
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