Mitchell out of Origin II but Moses to Reclaim NSW No.6 Spot

Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out of Origin II

Latrell Mitchell, the injured centre, won't play in the second State of Origin clash in Melbourne. He's been deemed unfit due to a back injury that will keep him out for at least two more weeks.

Wayne Bennett, South Sydney's coach, said Mitchell's back isn't worse; it's just taken longer to rehab. He won't be picked in Origin, and his return date is after the second Origin game on June 18 at the MCG. Bennett added that Campbell Graham, who has a calf injury, will return to play for the Sea Eagles against Souths.

Mitchell Moses is expected to overcome a hamstring injury and feature for the Eels next Monday against the Dogs. If he recovers well, he will reclaim the NSW No.6 jersey. Daley will name his team after Moses plays against the Dogs.

Stand-in Canterbury fullback Jacob Kiraz is also being monitored. Broncos prop Payne Haas and Penrith back-rower Liam Martin are available for NSW selection. Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau and Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson are in the mix to replace Blayke Brailey.

Bennett said Latrell Mitchell won't be picked in Origin - he won't be back until they play Parra, which is after Origin II.

Moses was picked as the starting NSW No.6 but pulled up with a tight hamstring two days before the opening interstate clash against the Maroons. Daley said Moses has proven himself at that level in the past, and he's a very important member of the team.

Moses' hamstring injury isn't too severe, according to his doctor. The doctor said Moses would have fully recovered if he had a week to recover – it was a relatively minor injury. The beauty of Ethan Strange is that you can also play him anywhere – not just No. 6, but in the centres and even lock.

Daley acknowledged that the Blues started poorly in Origin I, trailing 20-6 at half-time. They were slow out of the blocks in Perth, probably didn't handle the emotion of the occasion, and Queensland might have targeted them in Sydney at the start of Origin I. Last Wednesday, the main issue was errors – they didn't hold onto the ball.

Daley said that everyone is aware of the Blues' slow start, and he'll look into why it happened. He'll also reflect on his own coaching and see if there's anything he needs to adjust.