NSW Origin hopes in doubt after star limps off in Rabbitohs’ Magic Round loss to Dolphins
Updated ,first published
Latrell Mitchell’s hopes of inspiring a State of Origin boil-over were dealt a dagger blow when the NSW strike weapon left the field in pain late in the Rabbitohs’ 32-10 defeat to the Dolphins in the Magic Round.
The South Sydney full-back, who returned after a week’s absence to recover from a back injury, had been well contained by opposition center Jack Bostock throughout the night and was eventually seen limping off to the sidelines clinging to his back.
Mitchell was set to be included in Laurie Daley’s match one squad for sure, to be announced on Monday, but the Blues coach will have to question whether the superstar can perform at full fitness for the series launch on May 27, despite Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett suggesting he should be ready to play within 12 days.
He did not undertake goal-scoring duties at Suncorp Stadium and while he had two line-break assists and a try assist, he was limited to just 65 running meters and two tackles from eight deliveries before exiting.
Up to that point, the Dolphins had had one of their most successful performances under coach Kristian Woolf. For the first 10 minutes of Friday night’s game, it looked like South Sydney were destined to repeat the Redcliffe men’s first-round victory.
Two poor fifth tackle options from close range were leveled by a pair of clearances, leaving the Dolphins’ backs pinned to their lines.
But the Dolphins did not panic defensively and refused to overplay their hands when they had the ball, kicking in the early count and not forcing unnecessary passes in the wet.
This was a team that knew their moment was coming and it proved when they crossed to Selwyn Cobbo and scored in the corner. With Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima pulling the strings in the first half, the Dolphins stayed the course; He followed Max Plath and Herbie Farnworth and tried to take a 20-0 lead in the dugouts.
Constant mistakes continued to open the door for the Dolphins to extend their lead, and they eventually did when center Jack Bostock beat Mitchell to score outside.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape – who replaced the injured Alex Johnston – slotted wide to eventually get her side on the board before half-time Ashton Ward broke into a hole and found space from which Euan Aitken could also score.
But the damage had been done and Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put the final nail in the cap with his individual brilliance; He shrugged past two defenders and crossed the middle of the field to score. Their only drawback was a hamstring injury to Nikorima, who did not return at half-time, ending his slim hopes of earning a place on the Queensland bench.
Plath determined Maroon’s fate
The sight of Plath shrugging off a pair of props on her way to the try line no doubt caught the eye of Billy Slater, and her Dolphins service exploits all but sealed her Origin debut.
The 24-year-old’s toughness and versatility in switching between lock and hooker has already catapulted him into the Queensland frame-up. But while Nikorima and Katoa left the Rabbitohs defense scrambling to cover wide shifts, Plath managed to score by passing through Sean Keppie, Keaon Koloamatangi and full-backs Jye Gray.
“Max builds his game on a solid foundation of hard work and stepping up on both sides of the ball, which puts him in places where he can score or finish plays because he is always in the game mentally and physically,” Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert said. said Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert.
“He’s extremely fit, he works hard and those foundations have been built for Origin.”
He finished the night with 114 rushing yards and 38 tackles, and all five of his Dolphins teammates were able to join him.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a sure addition, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki emerged as one of the competition’s elite back row players, making 37 tackles and zero misses against South Sydney.
With Xavier Coates (Achilles) and Murray Taualagi (concussion) remaining on the sidelines, Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert have inserted themselves into the conversation to join the mid-rotation, while Selwyn Cobbo also looks like the favorite to be on the wing.
Traditionally the Brisbane Broncos have been the heavy lifters for the Maroons. Monday morning could signal a changing of the guard.
Asked if he felt an Origin call-up was warranted, Cobbo said: “We’ll have to wait and see, my head is here with the Dolphins. I’ll continue to play consistent football and try to get into the top eight with the Dolphins.”
“I know Origin is the hardest game I’ve ever played, it’s been a long time since I’ve played it, but if it happens, I’m looking forward to it.”
Duncan enters the fray
In an inconclusive case, Tallis Duncan did no harm in his chances of earning a shock call-up from NSW as one of the few bright spots for the Rabbitohs.
The striker ensured his name remained in contention to replace the injured Liam Martin; He ran vigorously all night long, finishing with 182 running meters and 30 tackles without a miss.
Koloamatangi has also joined the fray and his efforts in the middle (166 metres, 31 tackles) will keep him on Daley’s radar.
Despite Martin’s absence, Daley will have several options to fill out the back row: Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Angus Crichton and Jacob Preston are all leading options.
But Duncan has emerged as a real breakaway who has forced his way into the team, especially as Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray faces a tense wait after being put on report for a high shot.
Murray, who missed last year’s series due to an Achilles injury, said “I would definitely be upset about it” when asked how he would feel if he were suspended.
“I love playing with the blues jumper, so I’ll grab him with both hands whenever I get the chance.”
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