Already reeling from the loss of injured duo Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau, the Blues now need to win next Wednesday’s Origin II showdown with Queensland without Latrell Mitchell.
The star centre has been ruled out due to the calf strain which sidelined him just two days before NSW lost the series opener in Adelaide.
Panthers star Stephen Crichton has been reinstated to centre while Bulldogs star Matt Burton has again been brought into the NSW squad as 18th man.
Mitchell tweaked his calf during the Blues’ camp for Game I and has not played since, but resumed running at training over the long weekend so was named on Brad Fittler’s team sheet on Tuesday.
But Souths coach Jason Demetriou told AAP that Mitchell still had hurdles to clear before he could be approved to play in the must-win second Origin game.
Stephen Crichton speaks to Latrell Mitchell at Blues training. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Fittler conceded it had been a “risk” naming Mitchell as well as Cam Murray and Liam Martin, who are under injury clouds of their own but are tracking to play.
Mitchell missed NSW’s whole-squad media day on Wednesday, instead consulting with the Blues’ physiotherapists.
His teammates shrugged off that absence at the time, but the following afternoon, on the first rest day of the Blues’ camp, it was confirmed the Rabbitohs star would miss the second Origin game.
“The decision was made by Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, Mitchell and the medical staff after they determined he would not have overcome the injury in time for the game at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday 21 June,” an NSWRL statement read.
NSW would have been counting on Mitchell, one of the most explosive players in the NRL, to help spark their attack in Brisbane after they faltered in Game I.
Instead, he sits out a fifth consecutive Origin match. Mitchell missed the first two games of last year’s series with a hamstring injury, then withdrew from contention for the third to focus on club football.
Filling in for Mitchell, Crichton was one of NSW’s best in the series opener, scoring the try that gave them the lead for the first time in the final 15 minutes.
He has already been training in Mitchell’s place in the first two days of camp and will do so again when the Blues return to Coogee Oval on Friday morning.
“As 18th man, I’ll just be ready for anything,” Crichton told AAP on Wednesday. “Basically it’s just anything for the team.”
Wednesday’s match will be Crichton’s fifth for NSW.
with AAP
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Calf carrying too much weight
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
Oh, Nick yes, I am here my friend because I am correct. You state Crichton does not have a passing game yet somehow, he has try assists to his credit, explain to me please if he doesn't pass the ball how does he achieve this, does he head butt the ball to his support players ,granted his strike rate isn't in the elite class but is acceptable for a Centre. Its ok if you don't rate Crichton, you are entitled to your opinion but to state that he does not pass the ball is ridiculous and therefore you are the one who maybe should think before they post .Crichton is an exceptional player and there are people much more qualified and knowledgeable than you that agree with me.
Nick
Roar Rookie
And yet you're here
matth
Roar Guru
Hence the crowds of under 6,000 at Redfern
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
One should not comment on things they are clueless about.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
I hope Qld wipe NSW, But JAC is a fantastic player as we saw in the WC. Very hesitant to try and get outside the Hammer game one. If I am Fittler I would be telling him "back yourself son, have a crack on the outside and use your speed"
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
I not sold on the NSW plan of "must have combinations from NRL clubs" But Cobbo outside Walsh for 15 weeks made the transition to Origin easier for both
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Glory Glory was always there since 1908 mate, its in our blood as we bleed red/green :thumbup:
danwain
Roar Rookie
Is that the cure for a calf injury, become a Queenslander? Jimmy Anderson take note...
matth
Roar Guru
Yes the left-right thing is a good call. Fair enough.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I can't agree , matth . Graham was never going to be picked before Crichton, who once again slots in on the left side between club mates Luai & To'o . Graham plays on the right, and might have had claims if Turbo was also ruled out.
matth
Roar Guru
So true, ecept for Cameron Munster, we definitely rely on him.
matth
Roar Guru
I would have seriously considered bringing in Corey Oates on the wing.
matth
Roar Guru
The new most annoying term in rugby league - he has his bumpers up.
matth
Roar Guru
Cobbo, reckons he can't play without a hip joint - SOFT! Gilbert dislocated his shoulder, he has another one on the other side! SOFT! Arrow, well I don't know what his injury even is so it must be fake. SOFT!
matth
Roar Guru
I'm happy with his selection but he not the "obvious pick". Cambell Graham has great claims.
matth
Roar Guru
I don't think anyone is seriously critical of Latrell, it's just some banter. No doubt he is injured and with his recent history he has to be careful.
matth
Roar Guru
If he wants to, I'm sure we could find away to make him a Queenslander.
matth
Roar Guru
Smarter guys would just go around it.
matth
Roar Guru
Not a particularly high bar though :silly: