Latrell Mitchell's return from a back injury, and his hopes of featuring in the State of Origin decider, have been thrown into doubt after he left a crucial South Sydney training session early on Monday.
Mitchell departs training early
The superstar centre did not participate in Monday's training session after warm-ups, a potential blow to his hopes of playing for NSW in the Origin decider on July 8. He stretched and performed light drills with the team before leaving the pitch at Heffron Park with a trainer, removing his wrist strapping tape as he went, indicating he would not return.
Hopes for Parramatta clash
The 29-year-old had told Fox League that he was “pushing” to face Parramatta on Thursday night, pending the back injury that has sidelined him since Round 9. “We have training tomorrow, we’ll see what Wayne (Bennett, coach) wants me to do tomorrow,” he said on Sunday night.
The fact he did not take part in any ball work, running or contact appears a setback that could also have ramifications for the Blues. After their Origin II humiliation, NSW would have been hopeful of calling on the talismanic Mitchell, who has an excellent record at Origin level.
Origin alternatives
Kotoni Staggs notably had a tough night in Origin II, while the Blues' other incumbent centre Tolu Koula has played only two games at Origin level. But unless Mitchell faces the Eels in Round 17, he will not have a chance to play before teams are picked following the last of this weekend's games.
Mitchell will not participate in contact training before the game at CommBank Stadium, with Wednesday's captain's run being the team's final session.
