NSW Blues Coach Faces Tough Decision as Latrell Mitchell’s Injury Sparks Selection Changes
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley is facing a critical decision as South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell’s back injury could see him miss up to two weeks of action. This potential absence has opened the door for several players to step into the spotlight, with Casey McLean and Kotoni Staggs emerging as possible contenders for Game 1 of the State of Origin series.
Mitchell was expected to make a strong return after the Rabbitohs’ close loss to the Sharks last weekend. However, he was forced to withdraw from the match due to a back injury. The club confirmed that the issue is not serious, but it still poses a challenge for both the Rabbitohs and the NSW Blues team.
According to Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler, Mitchell underwent scans and was ruled out of the NRL clash. The Rabbitohs stated that the injury should not keep him out for more than two weeks. However, this timeline raises concerns for Daley, especially considering Mitchell missed several games last season due to a ‘pinched nerve’ in his back. If he misses the next two weeks, he will not have played any football for three weeks leading into Game 1.
Reporter Michael Carayannis believes Mitchell will be fit for Origin. “If the team was picked on Monday, you’d be like, ‘OK, well that’s a bit of a concern.’ I think there is just enough time, provided there are no hiccups, between now and then,” he said. “South Sydney were not panicked around it yesterday. I feel like he should be alright for Origin. You don’t need a distraction…you are still picking him if he is close to full fitness for Origin.”
Daley may also face another dilemma, as fellow centre Stephen Crichton is dealing with a shoulder injury. This means the selection process for the centres could involve not one, but two new faces.
Centres in NSW Blues Contention
One name being considered is Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs. Staggs, who is eligible to play for NSW, has been in impressive form for a Broncos side struggling with injuries. He has scored six tries this season and has shown great potential for selection.
However, Staggs received a two-game ban for striking a Roosters player in the ruck during his team’s recent loss. This suspension will rule him out until the selection period, which could work against his chances.
Another pair of players gaining attention are Penrith duo Casey McLean and Thomas Jenkins. McLean demonstrated his quality during New Zealand’s Pacific Championships victory at the end of last season. He carried that form into 2026, creating numerous opportunities for winger Jenkins. If Mitchell is ruled out or uncertain, Daley might bring in McLean and Jenkins for their strong partnership.
This move would also address the open left wing position following Mark Nawaqanitawase’s injury.
Two other outsiders for the role are Bradman Best and Tolu Koula. Both have been performing well for their respective clubs and have two weeks to impress Daley for a potential spot on the extended bench in case of an injury to a backline player.
