Latrell Mitchell named to return just in time for NSW - ESPN
Latrell Mitchell has been named to return from his back injury just in time to figure in NSW's State of Origin plans.
africa.espn.comHere are the latest updates on Latrell Mitchell’s injury situation.
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As of May 2026, Latrell Mitchell was reported to be sidelined with a back injury, with South Sydney stating he could be unavailable for 1–2 weeks around late May, potentially affecting his State of Origin plans. This suggests a short-term absence rather than a long-term layoff.[3]
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Subsequent reports in May 2026 indicated Mitchell was named to return from his back issue just in time for NSW State of Origin plans, implying a positive trajectory toward a quick comeback if medical clearance is granted. This development would be timely for Blues’ selection ahead of the series, should he prove fit.[6]
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Earlier in the 2025–26 window, injury updates showed Mitchell dealing with various issues, including quadriceps and other muscle-related setbacks, but those reports are from a different season and reflect a broader pattern of injuries rather than a single persistent issue. These historical notes give context to his injury-prone period but aren’t immediate current-day constraints.[4]
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Media and fan monitoring around late May 2026 also highlighted ongoing attention to his availability for the State of Origin, with some outlets suggesting a return could align with Origin selection timelines if the back injury resolved quickly. These perspectives underscore the high interest in his involvement for representative duties.[5][9]
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In early 2026, there were also routine training updates noting minor injury scares (calf/back) with expectations of him being fit for trial or early-season games, reinforcing that any current absence was expected to be short-lived. This aligns with typical pre-season or early-season injury management.[7]
Bottom line
- The most consistent signal across sources is a short-term back-related absence in May 2026 with strong expectations of a swift return, potentially in time for State of Origin if medical clearance is granted. Please note that exact return dates can hinge on scans and physician assessments; check the Rabbitohs’ official injury updates for the latest confirmation.[3][4][6]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official club update or compile a brief timeline of Mitchell’s recent injuries and return dates with direct quotes.