'Didn't want to let his state down': Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell ruled out of Origin in crushing blow
Updated . First published
Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the State of Origin opener despite Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett allaying concerns around his fitness.
The boom centre struggled off the field with seven minutes remaining in Friday night's loss to the Dolphins.
Asked if he thought Mitchell would be right for game one of the Origin series on May 27, Bennett said "I should think so" and claimed it was only cramps.
It has since been confirmed by the NSWRL that he is unavailable.
Latrell Mitchell. NRL
"Mitchell advised Daley and his Rabbitohs club officials that he was not 100 per cent fit and did not want to let down his state or club, so he would be unavailable for both the Rabbitohs' round 12 clash and Origin game one," the statement said.
"Mitchell cited his ongoing back issue for his unavailability, with [Laurie] Daley set to name his team tomorrow [Monday] morning."
Bennett was scathing in his assessment of his side after the 32-10 Magic Round defeat, labelling their performance "rubbish" and "embarrassing".
The news was more positive for Rabbitohs and NSW back-rower Cameron Murray, who escaped suspension for a dangerous tackle against the Dolphins.
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Mitchell gave up goal-kicking duties at Suncorp Stadium, although he did register two line break assists and set up a try.
The Dolphins had burst out to a 24-0 lead before the Rabbitohs hit the scoreboard.
South Sydney have been wildly inconsistent this season. Their 32-10 loss to the Dolphins follows a 36-12 win over the Sharks. They have won six games, lost four and had one bye.
"We've had three really good wins and next week we turned up and played rubbish," Bennett said.
The master coach said his side's inconsistency was "worse than frustrating".
"It's just kind of got to the embarrassing stage because there's just no logic to why they're doing it, except what's probably happening in their heads through the week," Bennett said.
"[They're probably] happy with themselves. I don't know.
"It's an obvious trend right now, so we've got to get on top of it."
