Updated ,first published
Latrell Mitchell’s hopes of inspiring a State of Origin boilover have received a dagger blow, with the NSW strike weapon leaving the field in pain late in the Rabbitohs’ 32-10 Magic Round defeat to the Dolphins.
The South Sydney fullback, returning from a week’s absence to recover from a back injury, had been well contained throughout the night by rival centre Jack Bostock, and was eventually seen wincing as he limped to the sidelines clutching behind him.
Mitchell had been billed as a certain inclusion Laurie Daley’s game one squad, to be announced on Monday, but the Blues coach will now be left to question whether the superstar can perform at full fitness in the series launch on May 27 – despite Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett suggesting he should be fit to play in 12 days’ time.
He did not take the goal-kicking duties at Suncorp Stadium, and while he laid on two linebreak assists and a try assist, he was limited to just 65 running metres and two tackle busts from eight carries before exiting.
Until that point, the Dolphins had produced one of their most accomplished performances under coach Kristian Woolf. For the opening 10 minutes of Friday night’s clash, it appeared South Sydney were destined to repeat their round one triumph of the men from Redcliffe.
Two poor fifth tackle options at close range were offset by forcing a pair of dropouts, and the Dolphins’ backs were pinned to their own line.
But the Dolphins did not panic in defence, and when they did earn possession, they refused to overplay their hand, kicking early in the count and not pushing needless passes in wet conditions.
This was a side that knew their moments would come, and a shift to Selwyn Cobbo in the corner to score proved just that. With halves Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima pulling the strings in the opening half, the Dolphins stayed the course – tries to Max Plath and Herbie Farnworth following to take a 20-0 lead into the sheds.
Constant errors kept opening the door for the Dolphins to extend their lead, and they eventually did so when centre Jack Bostock beat Mitchell on the outside to score.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape – replacing the injured Alex Johnston – eventually crossed out wide to get his side on the board, before halfback Ashton Ward hit a hole and found an offload for Euan Aitken to score as well.
But the damage had been done, and Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put the final nail in with a piece of individual brilliance at the death – shrugging off two defenders before streaking through the middle of the field to score. Their only downside was a hamstring injury to Nikorima, who did not return from halftime, all but ending his faint hopes of clinching a Queensland bench spot.
Plath all but seals Maroons fate
The sight of Plath shrugging off a pair of props en route to the try line would no doubt have captured Billy Slater’s attention, and the Dolphins utility’s exploits have all but sealed an Origin debut.
The 24-year-old’s toughness and versatility to shift between lock and hooker had already rocketed him into the Queensland frame. But as Nikorima and Katoa left the Rabbitohs defence scrambling to cover wide shifts, Plath made a beeline through Sean Keppie, Keaon Koloamatangi and fullback Jye Gray to score.
“Max builds his game on such a solid foundation of working hard and turning up on both sides of the ball, and that puts him in places where he can score tries or finish off plays because he’s just always in the game mentally and physically,” Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert said.
“He’s extremely fit, he works hard, and those foundations are built for Origin.”
He finished the night with 114 running metres and 38 tackles, and could be joined by five of his Dolphins teammates.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a certain inclusion, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has emerged as one of the elite backrowers in the competition, making 37 tackles for zero misses against South Sydney.
Selwyn Cobbo also appears to be a favourite to snag a wing spot as Xavier Coates (achilles) and Murray Taualagi (concussion) remain sidelined, while Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert have thrust themselves into the conversation to join the middle rotation.
Traditionally, the Brisbane Broncos have been the Maroons heavy lifters. Monday morning could signal a changing of the guard.
“We’ll have to wait and see, my head’s here at the Dolphins. I’ll just keep playing consistent footy and try to make the top eight with the Dolphins,” Cobbo said, when asked if he felt an Origin call beckoned.
“I know Origin is the hardest game I’ve ever played, it’s been a while since I’ve played but if it comes around, I’m looking forward to it.”
Duncan rockets into contention
In what was a fruitless cause, Tallis Duncan did his chances of a shock NSW call-up no harm as one of the few bright spots for the Rabbitohs.
The edge forward has ensured his name remains in contention to replace the injured Liam Martin, running with vigour all night to finish with 182 running metres and 30 tackles without a miss.
He was joined in the struggle by Koloamatangi, whose efforts through the middle (166 metres, 31 tackles) will keep him on Daley’s radar.
Despite Martin’s absence, Daley will have several options to fill his backrow – Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Angus Crichton and Jacob Preston all leading options.
But Duncan has revealed himself as a genuine bolter to force his way into the squad, particularly as Rabbitohs skipper Cameron Murray faces a nervous wait after being placed on report for a high shot.
“I’d be sad about it for sure,” Murray said when asked about his emotions should he be dealt a suspension, having missed last year’s series with an Achilles injury.
“I love playing in the Blues jumper, so any chance I get I’ll grab it with both hands.”
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