Latrell Mitchell confirmed out of State of Origin decider as he faces possible season-ending injury
- Mitchell ruled out of Origin decider with foot injury
- Souths superstar might miss rest of NRL season
- Mitchell was a standout for NSW in game two at MCG
NSW Blues and Rabbitohs fans are reeling with star centre Latrell Mitchell confirmed to miss the State of Origin series decider in Brisbane - and possibly the rest of his NRL season.
Mitchell suffered the foot injury in the Rabbitohs' win over Parramatta on Thursday night, but played through the pain.
On Sunday, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mitchell will be out for at least the next month with a Lisfranc injury.
It is understood the 27-year-old will undergo further scans this week to determine the severity of the injury - and if he might have to sit out the entire season.
The likes of Newcastle's Bradman Best, Canterbury's Matt Burton or Manly's Tom Trbojevic loom as his possible replacement.
Sea Eagles star Trbojevic failed to make an impact on Saturday night against the Cowboys on his return from a hamstring injury.
Former NSW Blues prop Steve Roach believes throwing Trbojevic straight back into the Blues side would be a huge call given he has been sidelined for nearly two months.
'That's a big ask for Tommy Turbo if Latrell is out, and it looks he is going to be out, to come back into that [NSW] side after one game,' Roach said on Fox League.
Latrell Mitchell (pictured) confirmed to miss the State of Origin decider later this month
Bunnies superstar has suffered a Lisfranc injury and could miss the rest of the season
'Let's not forget Bradman Best, a true left centre....I reckon he might come into the equation now too. He's in form, let's give him a chance.'
Sydney Roosters star Joseph Suaalii could also be drafted back into Michael Maguire's team after serving a four-game suspension for his late hit on Reece Walsh in the series opener in Sydney on June 5.
Mitchell had discovered a purple patch of form at South Sydney in recent weeks, with the Rabbitohs winning five successive NRL matches as they chase a finals spot.
He was also a standout for the Blues in their 38-18 win at the MCG in game two.
'It's been a long time. I love playing Origin. I bleed blue and I'm happy to be back,' Mitchell said post game in Melbourne.
With the series locked at 1-1, the decider between NSW and Queensland will be staged at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.
Queensland coach Billy Slater is chasing his third successive series triumph, with NSW last lifting the interstate shield in 2021.
