Losing Latrell Mitchell takes the sheen off Origin and hurts the NRL’s Adelaide ambitions

The Blues’ Latrell Mitchell gets past the Maroons’ Xavier Coates to score a try during game two of the 2021 State of Origin series between Queensland and NSW. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

In a huge blow to Brad Fittler’s New South Wales men and the NRL’s hopes of making an impact in the non-traditional rugby league town of Adelaide, Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the State of Origin opener.

A calf injury picked up at training on Sunday saw Mitchell’s hopes of returning to the Blues dashed. Stephen Crichton, an undoubted talent, takes his place but Mitchell is one of the few players in this game – and in his generation – that are irreplaceable.