Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has confirmed that Latrell Mitchell will not be available for Game 2 of the 2026 State of Origin series, with the star centre still recovering from a back injury that has kept him out since the opening match. The update, delivered just days before the second Origin clash, confirms Mitchell’s continued absence for New South Wales and adds further strain on the Blues’ selection plans as they prepare for a must-win encounter in the series.

Bennett revealed that Mitchell’s rehabilitation is taking longer than expected, stating that the 27-year-old will not return for at least another month. That timeline rules him out not only of Origin II but also several key NRL fixtures, leaving South Sydney to continue managing without one of their most influential attacking players.

Bennett provides clear timeline on Mitchell recovery

Wayne Bennett was direct when addressing Mitchell’s condition, explaining that there has been no setback, but progress has simply been slower than anticipated.

“His back is no worse, it’s just taken a little longer to rehab, that’s all,” Bennett told The Sydney Morning Herald.

He went on to confirm the Origin implications, shutting down any hope of a late selection push.

“He won’t be picked in Origin. He won’t be back until we play Parra, which is after Origin II.”

The comments effectively close the door on any speculation surrounding Mitchell’s availability for the second match of the series, a blow for NSW fans who were hoping to see him return after missing Game 1.

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NSW Blues feel the impact of another key absence

Mitchell’s absence is a significant setback for the NSW Blues, who are already dealing with squad reshuffles as injuries continue to shape their Origin campaign. His combination of power, footwork, and ability to break defensive lines has often made him a game-changing presence in State of Origin football.

Former NSW hooker Michael Ennis expressed disappointment at the timing of the injury, especially given Mitchell’s strong form leading into the series.

“If this time of year you just want to see your best players on the stage and the form that Latrell was in was arguably his best form in his career,” Michael Ennis said on Fox League’s Sunday Ticket.

Ennis also highlighted the missed opportunity for NSW fans to see Mitchell link up with Tom Trbojevic in the Origin arena.

“I was really looking forward to seeing Latrell and Tommy [Tom Trbojevic] both playing Origin this year. The record that they have together when they’re on the field for NSW is so impressive.

“Disappointing for Latrell but it provides opportunity and that’s what’s exciting.”

Those comments reflect a broader sentiment within rugby league circles, where Mitchell’s absence is seen not only as a loss for NSW but also for the spectacle of Origin itself.

Trbojevic praises Mitchell’s unique ability

Mitchell’s former teammate Tom Trbojevic also weighed in on the situation, praising the Rabbitohs star’s rare ability to change a match in a single moment.

“No player can do it like him. He’s just got that ability to go bang. Flick and switch and he’s gone.”

That explosive talent has made Mitchell one of the most closely watched players in the game, particularly in high-pressure Origin environments where individual brilliance often decides outcomes.

Rabbitohs manage return timeline carefully

While Mitchell will miss Origin II, South Sydney remain focused on his long-term recovery. Bennett’s comments suggest the club is prioritising full fitness over rushed return dates, especially given the physical demands placed on centres in the modern NRL.

Campbell Graham is set to get an extended run in the coming rounds as he returns from a calf injury, giving the Rabbitohs some stability in the outside backs while Mitchell continues rehab work.

The club’s cautious approach reflects the importance of Mitchell to their season structure, particularly as they aim to remain competitive through the Origin period when squad depth is tested across the league.

Blues selection pressure builds ahead of Game 2

NSW coach Laurie Daley is also managing several moving parts in his squad, with Mitchell’s absence adding to the selection puzzle. Mitchell Moses is expected to return to the No.6 role if he proves his fitness, while Ethan Strange is likely to shift back to the interchange bench depending on final team decisions.

Daley acknowledged the importance of experience in key positions, noting Moses’ value at Origin level while also highlighting the flexibility within the squad.

“I think Mitch has proven himself at that level in the past, and he’s a very important member of the team,” Daley said.

“It’s not a bad hammy, and to be fair, the doc said if he had a week to recover, he would. It was really minor. The beauty with Ethan is you can also play him anywhere, not just No. 6, but in the centres and even lock.”

With selections still fluid, NSW will be hoping stability returns quickly ahead of a critical Game 2.

What it means for Origin II

Mitchell’s confirmed absence reshapes the attacking structure NSW had been preparing. Without his direct running threat on the left edge, the Blues will need to rely more heavily on structured set plays and backline movement through other strike players.

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As Origin II approaches, attention now turns to how NSW adjust without one of their most naturally gifted players. The series is finely balanced, and Mitchell’s absence only adds more pressure to a Blues side that must respond quickly or risk falling behind in the 2026 campaign.