Brisbane Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds is set to resume Training in the next…
Lost amid the furore surrounding Latrell Mitchell’s latest suspension from the NRL is what it means for his hopes of a State of Origin recall, which have seemingly gone up in smoke. Many in the NRL world have been putting Mitchell in their predicted NSW sides, in what would be his first taste of Origin footy since 2021.
Mitchell has always seemed to rise to the occasion in the Origin arena, and many reckon he would thrive while playing centre for the Blues this year. But his three-game suspension is a massive blow to his hopes of an Origin recall, and the 26-year-old is now long odds to be picked by Michael Maguire.
It means the controversial fullback will have just three games to stake his case for State of Origin selection when he returns, with Game I of the series to be played on June 5. The Rabbitohs will face the Dragons (away), Cowboys (home) and Eels (home) before the team for Game I is picked, and if the Dragons and Eels are still struggling there would seemingly be plenty of opportunities for Mitchell to shine.
But you’d have to think he’ll be overtaken in the pecking order during his month on the sidelines, with the likes of Tom Trbojevic, Stephen Crichton, Izack Tago, Bradman Best, Zac Lomax, Kotoni Staggs and Reuben Garrick all pushing for selection in the NSW backline. Maguire will also be asking himself whether he can trust Mitchell in the pressure-cooker environment of Origin, given he’s shown he’s prone to a brain-snap or two.
