Former NSW captain Paul Gallen has urged Michael Maguire to select Latrell Mitchell at center for the Blues, who have been hit by another major injury. The Newcastle Knights announced on Monday that Bradman Best will be out for four weeks due to a hamstring injury, preventing him from playing in the State of Origin series opener.
Best made his Origin debut in Game III of last year’s series, scoring two tries as NSW won 24-10. However, the 22-year-old worsened a hamstring injury in the Knights’ triumph over Gold Coast last Saturday.
“Bradman has been diagnosed with a grade two hamstring injury and will miss at least four weeks,” Knights football manager Peter Parr told AAP. “That would take him out of Origin I. He played really well on his debut, and our anticipation at the Knights was that he would be selected for NSW.
“I chatted with him this afternoon, and his focus had already shifted to getting his rehab right. He is plainly disappointed, but he has accepted that this is how life is. My talk with him was all about his recuperation and ensuring he got back as soon as possible.”
Best joins a long-term injury list for the Blues that includes Tom Trbojevic, Nathan Cleary, and Cameron Murray. Trbojevic appeared to be the front-runner for the NSW centre position under new coach Maguire, but his injury allowed Best to retain his spot.
Paul Gallen wants Latrell Mitchell at centre for NSW.
Stephen Crichton appears to be the other center, with Mitchell, Matt Burton, Kotoni Staggs, and Jesse Ramien all competing for the other position. However, former skipper Gallen believes Maguire should go with Mitchell.
The South Sydney fullback has not played Origin since 2021 and is reportedly considering withdrawing from NSW to focus on aiding the Rabbitohs during their downturn. Many say Mitchell’s greatest position is centre, and he always looks up when playing out wide for the Blues.
Gallen stated, “I just think we need his x-factor,” in a column for Wide World of Sports. “At the Origin level, you need players who can create something out of nothing, and we all know Latrell possesses that uncommon skill.
“He’s just played seven games this year and scored five tries; he’s certainly a game changer. Another key element is that he has previously played for the Blues, and they have not won a series since his last appearance.
“In important games, I prefer Latrell in the center. At fullback, he lacks the stamina to accomplish what is required in defence on an ongoing basis at Origin level. We know he can be sluggish; we see it frequently when he plays for the Rabbitohs. He is not an Energiser Bunny fullback like James Tedesco or Dylan Edwards, but he does not need to be in the centres. He just needs to do his job, make his tackles, and hopefully make a big play when the game is on the line.”
Jesse Ramien opens up about Michael Maguire’s phone call
If Mitchell declares himself unavailable or Maguire pursues another option, Staggs, Burton, and Ramien will all be considered. Speaking on Saturday night, Ramien stated that Maguire has informed him that he is in contention.
“He wants me to continue playing good footy, and that was pretty much it,” he said of his meeting with the NSW coach. “People will gossip, but all I can think about is playing good football for my club and achieving representative accolades. I basically play week to week.
“All I can do is go out there and put my best foot forward, and if it leads to representative honors, I’ll seize the opportunity. I’m in decent shape, but at the end of the day, it’s up to Madge.”
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