Taulagi, Mitchell out of Origin decider
Maroons coach Billy Slater is poised to overhaul his backline for the July 17 Origin decider following the withdrawal of Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi due to a hamstring injury.
Taulagi, who sustained the injury during Saturday night’s Golden Point loss to Manly, joins fellow Queensland winger Xavier Coates on the injury list after the Storm star tore his hamstring last week. Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo and Knights veteran Dane Gagai are expected to be the top candidates to replace Taulagi and Coates.
Meanwhile, Rabbitohs and Blues superstar Latrell Mitchell is likely to miss Origin III at Suncorp Stadium because of a foot injury. Mitchell, who played a key role in NSW’s 38-18 victory over Queensland in Origin II at the MCG, sustained the injury in Thursday night’s win against Parramatta.
Rabbitohs officials have stated that Mitchell will undergo scans before the NSW team is announced on Sunday night, but it is believed he may be out for a month with a Lisfranc injury.
Manly’s Tom Trbojevic, who returned to action on Saturday night against the Cowboys at centre, and Newcastle’s Bradman Best are among the players likely to be considered as replacements for Mitchell.
The NSW squad will be announced on Sunday night, followed by the Maroons on Monday.