Australia star Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand.
The Souths star was set to start on the interchange bench at Suncorp Stadium.
But he is suffering from illness and will not be able to play a part, reports Nine.
His replacement has not yet been named but will likely be revealed when the 19-man teams are confirmed later this evening.
It is expected fullback James Tedesco will take Mitchell’s place on the bench, with Reece Walsh to start at fullback.
Mitchell started Australia’s World Cup opener against the Kiwis but failed to assert himself in the match.
That led coach Kevin Walters to drop him for the games against Fiji, Cook Islands and Samoa.
But he was set to provide Walters with an impact interchange option, having played a big role in Australia’s last final win against Samoa in 2022.
Originally published as Latrell Mitchell ruled out of World Cup final for Australia