Latrell Mitchell and Trent Loiero are treading a fine line in the lead-up to State of Origin, with both players inching towards a suspension in Round 6 of the NRL. Loiero was hit with a $3000 fine for a careless high tackle on Taine Tuaupiki in the Melbourne Storm’s loss to the Warriors on Saturday night.
It was the Queensland forward’s third and subsequent offence, meaning one more would trigger and automatic suspension. With just six weeks remaining until Origin 1, Loiero will be hoping his poor record doesn’t come back to haunt him.
Trent Loiero (L) and Latrell Mitchell (R have both copped multiple charges this year. Image: Getty
The Storm forward made his Origin debut for the Maroons last year and will come into calculations for Billy Slater again this year. But an ill-timed ban could ruin his hopes of playing in the season opener.
As for Mitchell, he copped an $1800 fine for a careless high tackle on Simi Sasagi in the Rabbitohs’ loss to Canberra. It was Mitchell’s second offence, meaning two more charges would trigger a ban – even if they’re only Grade 1.
NSW can ill-afford to lose Mitchell for the Origin opener, especially with Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton racing the clock to be fit. Mitchell has been in brilliant form for the Rabbitohs and will likely be picked in the centres by Laurie Daley if he’s available for Origin.
Latrell Mitchell and Trent Loiero are treading a fine line before State of Origin.
(Getty Images)NSW facing injury crisis for State of Origin
Daley is facing somewhat of a crisis, with Liam Martin and Max King both joining Cichton on the injury list. Crichton has an AC shoulder injury and will miss at least a month, while King fractured his jaw in the Bulldogs’ win over Penrith.
As for Martin, the Panthers and NSW forward is also set for a stint on the sidelines after scans confirmed a medial ligament injury. The full severity of the injury hasn’t been revealed, but he’ll be racing to retain his Origin jersey amid pressure from Jacob Preston and Hudson Young.
In other suspension news, the Broncos will be without Patrick Carrigan for two matches after a Grade 2 careless high tackle on Cowboys centre Tom Chester. The Broncos are reviewing footage of the incident to determine whether they’ll challenge at the judiciary, but can ill-afford to lose him for three matches if unsuccessful.
The Broncos are also without injured stars Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds, while Aublix Tawha suffered a fractured eye socket in Queensland Cup and will undergo surgery. He’s expected to miss at least three weeks.
Other players charged in Round 6 were Casey McLean, Kurt Mann, Jahrome Hughes, Billy Burns and Haumole Olakau’atu. McLean copped a one-game ban for a Grade 2 careless high tackle, while all the others were handed fines for Grade 1 first offences.