NSW Captain Praises Latrell Mitchell’s Selflessness
NSW captain Isaah Yeo has praised Latrell Mitchell for his selfless decision to step aside from the State of Origin series opener due to a back injury. Mitchell, who had been expected to play a key role in the game, chose to prioritize his recovery over his personal ambitions.
The decision came just before Laurie Daley was set to announce his team for the opening match. Mitchell informed the Blues coach that he would need to miss the game to focus on his recovery. This comes after he aggravated an existing back injury during South Sydney’s loss to the Dolphins at Magic Round. The injury was first sustained two weeks earlier and has now forced Mitchell to take a step back from the spotlight.
Mitchell’s absence is a significant blow for the NSW team, as he was considered a certainty to play left centre if fit. His decision to sit out the first game means the Blues will have to look elsewhere for their left centre option. Mitchell will also miss at least next weekend’s clash with North Queensland but could return after the Rabbitohs’ round-13 bye.
Yeo expressed admiration for Mitchell’s team-first attitude, highlighting the importance of putting the team’s needs above personal desires. “If you asked (Mitchell), there’d be no one who’d want to play for his state more, particularly with what he’s done in that arena,” Yeo said. “I’m obviously disappointed for him, but it’s a very selfless act.”
Mitchell had a quieter Origin series last year compared to his usual standards, but he has been in excellent form since shifting from fullback to the centres in 2026. He initially suffered the injury in the Rabbitohs’ round-nine loss to Newcastle and was expected to miss up to two weeks. However, he returned after just one week, only to leave Friday’s loss in the 73rd minute with his Origin hopes in doubt.
The Blues had planned to include Mitchell in their team and manage his injury ahead of the opening game in Sydney on May 27. They followed a similar strategy with Payne Haas and Brian To’o last year, and both players went on to become the Blues’ best performers in the series. However, Mitchell took the decision out of NSW’s hands, leaving Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula, and Casey McLean as potential options at left centre.
Kotoni Staggs, a Brisbane premiership winner, has missed the past two weeks due to suspension but was in strong form before that. He has played Origin once before. Tolu Koula and Casey McLean are uncapped players but have shown impressive performances this season for Manly and Penrith, respectively.
Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton has already been confirmed to retain his right centre spot despite concerns about his form and a shoulder injury. Since returning early from a serious AC joint injury, Crichton has struggled to find his rhythm. However, he showed glimpses of his best form in Canterbury’s loss at Magic Round, where he displayed some of the skills that made him a three-time premiership winner with Penrith.
Crichton has appeared hesitant in his defensive and passing plays since returning in round seven, but he has not missed a single Blues game since his debut in 2022. His consistency remains a key factor for the team.
Yeo will be joined in camp by at least two Panthers teammates: halfback Nathan Cleary and winger To’o. Their presence adds depth and experience to the NSW squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
