NSW Blues dealt huge State of Origin blow with Latrell Mitchell ruled out

Hopes in the New South Wales camp of getting back into this year’s State of Origin series have been dealt an almighty blow with star centre Latrell Mitchell ruled out of Game Two.

Mitchell was absent from the Blues’ defeat to Queensland two weeks ago after suffering a minor calf injury in the build up to the series opener in Adelaide.

NSW coach Brad Fittler had hoped the South Sydney star would have recovered in time for Wednesday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium and had included him in his matchday squad.

But Mitchell admitted failure to prove his fitness on Thursday and will miss out on the Blues’ must-win clash in Brisbane. It is not clear yet whether he will return for Game Three back in Sydney.

He will be replaced by 18th man Stephen Crichton, who will reprise the role he played in Game One, with Matt Burton called into the squad as a reserve.

More to follow.