Latrell out of frame for Origin II but Daley backs Moses to reclaim Blues No.6

Injured centre Latrell Mitchell is out of the selection frame for the second State of Origin clash in Melbourne, but NSW coach Laurie Daley has confirmed Mitchell Moses is likely to reclaim the No.6 jersey if he proves his fitness for Parramatta next Monday.

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett said on Sunday strike centre Mitchell would not feature for the Rabbitohs when they take on Manly on Thursday, and is unlikely to return from a back injury until round 17 against Parramatta – after the second Origin game on June 18 at the MCG.

Mitchell was the form centre in the NRL before he injured his back against the Knights and missed a game against Cronulla, before returning for Magic Round. But he broke down again and then ruled himself out of contention for the Blues for Origin I.

It was hoped Mitchell would be back for Souths’ clash against Manly on Thursday, but Bennett said his return date was another month away.

“His back is no worse, it’s just taken a little longer to rehab, that’s all,” Bennett said.

“He won’t be picked in Origin. He won’t be back until we play Parra, which is after Origin II.”

Campbell Graham (calf) will be back for the Sea Eagles clash.

Provided they stay fit, Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs will probably be retained as the Blues’ centres for the second Origin game.

Moses is expected to overcome a hamstring injury and feature for the Eels next Monday against the Dogs, after which Daley will name his team. Stand-in Canterbury fullback Jacob Kiraz is also being monitored.

Broncos prop Payne Haas (knee) will be available for NSW selection, as will Penrith back-rower Liam Martin (knee). Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau and Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson are in the mix to replace Blayke Brailey (broken arm).

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. His replacement, Ethan Strange, was outstanding on debut, and the Canberra rookie would not look out of place if he retained the starting five-eighth role.

But Daley is set to stay loyal to Moses if he returns to full fitness.

“I think Mitch has proven himself at that level in the past, and he’s a very important member of the team,” Daley said.

“It’s not a bad hammy, and to be fair, the doc said if he had a week to recover, he would. It was really minor. The beauty with Ethan is you can also play him anywhere, not just No. 6, but in the centres and even lock.”

The Blues started poorly last Wednesday night, trailing 20-6 at half-time. They were also behind 20-0 in game t