South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell says he’s “confident” he can make it back within six weeks from a hamstring injury.
Initially, he was ruled out for eight weeks – which would take him all the way up to State of Origin I – but is hoping to get a couple of games in before being available for NSW selection.
“I’m trying to do everything possible to get back and get two weeks under my belt before selection – and it’s up the big fella [coach Brad Fittler] if I’m ready.”
READ MORE: Gallen baits Sonny Bill over fight on live TV
READ MORE: Joey blasts Dragons over baffling coach call
READ MORE: ‘Selfless’ Cleary should be NRL’s first $2m player
Mitchell was frustrated that the injury, in Souths’ win over the Dragons, came relatively out of nowhere.
“I’ve done everything right up until now, but things happen for a reason,” he said before Souths’ game against the Bulldogs.
Mitchell said it was hard to be sidelined in the middle of the season but that he was looking forward to mentoring his understudy Blake Taaffe.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now
“Just a leadership role – get around him [Blake Taaffe], make sure he’s doing everything possible to get himself right and just get around the boys with a bit of energy – not sulking and kicking stones around.”
The 2022 State of Origin series is schedule to get underway on June 8, with the first match to take place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, before games two and three in Perth and Brisbane, respectively.