Latrell Mitchell looks set to watch South Sydney from the sidelines for the next two weeks after being ruled out with a lower back injury.
Mitchell was set to resume his role in the centres for the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Sharks on Saturday, but his name has since disappeared from the team list on the NRL website. Another Latrell, described in his profile as a skilful utility back, has taken his place in the starting line-up. Latrell Siegwalt is now set to make his NRL debut in the match.
Mitchell, who this week broke a lengthy media ban to talk up Campbell Graham’s 150th NRL game, had been sent for scans for a back injury suffered against the Knights on Sunday.
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The Rabbitohs then confirmed that their biggest star will be out for one to two weeks.
The recovery timeline puts a cloud over Mitchell’s selection chances for the State of Origin series, with teams set to be announced at the conclusion of round 11 next Sunday.
Latrell Mitchell in action during South Sydney’s trial against Manly. NRL Images
Mitchell has been joined as a late omission by Jamie Humphreys, who has been replaced on the bench by Liam Le Blanc.
The club cited a leg injury as the reason for Humphreys’ absence. That injury also occurred against the Knights.
Humphreys is also expected to be out for one to two weeks.