NRL insist players must be available For origin
The NRL has confirmed that clubs and players have a contractual obligation to make players available for State of Origin, meaning Latrell Mitchell might have to make himself available. In an effort to aid South Sydney in getting over their terrible start to the season, Mitchell is reportedly thinking about missing this year’s championship match. The Rabbitohs fullback, who has been suspended for the past two games, will be back in round ten, giving him plenty of opportunity to strengthen his case for a NSW shirt. In less than a month, Blues coach Michael Maguire will choose his first Origin team in front of his first coaching match on June 5 in Sydney.
Given that Maguire has stated he prefers players with a clear head to represent the Blues, it’s probable Mitchell will be passed over in any case. Mitchell was chosen at center when he was last fit for Origin in 2021, however he did not play in NSW’s consecutive series defeats. Players have a contractual obligation to be available for selection, and clubs are required to release them if they are selected, as verified by NRL officials to AAP on Monday.
There are some exceptions that are permitted. Kalyn Ponga withdrew from the Queensland team last year for to medical reasons, having missed a significant amount of play due to recurrent concussions. Jack Wighton, a center for South Sydney, has also declared himself unavailable due to his retirement from representative football in 2018. The NRL is not worried that things will turn against Origin or that its lack of availability will become the norm.
