Overview
- South Sydney removed Mitchell from the team list on Thursday for the Sharks game, diagnosing a lower‑back issue and projecting a one to two‑week layoff.
- Coach Wayne Bennett said Mitchell has a bulging disc and received a cortisone injection, leaving him a chance to return next week and well placed for State of Origin I.
- With Mitchell sidelined, Latrell Siegwalt will make his NRL debut against Cronulla at Accor Stadium.
- Half Jamie Humphreys has also been ruled out of the Cronulla match with a leg problem and is expected to miss up to two weeks.
- Mitchell’s likely availability looms large for New South Wales, with Tom Trbojevic, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Jacob Kiraz injured and Kotoni Staggs serving a suspension for the May 27 opener.