South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Wayne Bennett said Latrell Mitchell will be fit for the State of Origin Game I despite a recent injury [1].

Mitchell is a critical asset for the New South Wales lineup, and his availability determines the team's offensive strategy and defensive stability for the series opener. A prolonged absence would force selectors to find a replacement for one of the game's most impactful players.

The injury occurred on Friday, May 15, during an NRL Magic Round match in Sydney [1]. Mitchell exited the game after suffering a bulging-disc injury during the Rabbitohs' encounter with the Dolphins [1, 2]. The match ended in a 32-10 defeat for South Sydney [3].

Despite the nature of the back injury, Bennett remains optimistic about the recovery timeline. The coach said that the medical staff expects the player to return to full strength before the representative window closes.

"I expect Latrell to be fit for Origin," Bennett said [1].

The coach further detailed the specific nature of the ailment to the press. "His bulging disc should heal in time for the State of Origin opener," Bennett said [2].

The Rabbitohs are now managing Mitchell's workload to ensure he does not aggravate the disc injury before the series begins. This cautious approach is standard for high-profile players facing the physical demands of both club and state duties, a balance that often tests the limits of sports medicine.

“"I expect Latrell to be fit for Origin,"”

The confirmation of Mitchell's expected return stabilizes the New South Wales selection process. While bulging discs can be unpredictable, Bennett's public confidence suggests the injury is manageable and not a chronic rupture, meaning the Blues will likely retain their primary attacking weapon for the start of the series.