Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of State of Origin III after suffering a calf injury at a South Sydney training session on Monday. The injury dashes his hopes of returning from a back issue that had sidelined him since round nine.
Scans confirmed a calf tear, ruling Mitchell out of contention for the series decider at Lang Park on July 8. He had been hopeful of facing Parramatta on Thursday night in the Rabbitohs' last match before the squads are picked.
Mitchell's absence is a major blow for NSW as they look to recover from a 44-24 defeat to Queensland in Origin II. The Blues' centre options struggled in that match, with Kotoni Staggs having a tough night and Tolu Koula having played only two matches for NSW.
Several leading options remain for Blues selectors. Canterbury's Stephen Crichton returned from a shoulder injury to kick a match-winning field goal against Manly, while Bradman Best set up a try on his return from a calf injury and has been excellent in two previous Origin appearances.
