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Just a stiff neck: Mitchell says he's fine

Latrell Mitchell has been cleared of a serious injury, with the livewire centre declaring he'll just have a stiff neck for a couple of days ahead of Origin II.

Latrell Mitchell receives attention against the Panthers.
NSW centre Latrell Mitchell had a real scare against the Panthers, but has declared himself OK. (AAP)

Latrell Mitchell has been cleared of a serious neck injury and remains a chance to play in next week's second State of Origin for NSW at ANZ Stadium.

Fears were raised for the Blues centre after he was stretchered off in a neck brace and on a medicab early in the second half of the Sydney Roosters' flogging of Penrith at Allianz Stadium.

Mitchell's injury capped off a horror night for both State of Origin coaches, with Blues prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffering a suspected broken jaw and Queenslanders Dylan Napa (ankle) and Michael Morgan (bicep) also hurt.

But Roosters medicos confirmed on Saturday that Mitchell only suffered a ligament strain and is a chance to play at ANZ Stadium.

Mitchell, who turned 21 on Saturday, also took to social media following the game to confirm the good news.

"Hey everyone, just would like to say I'm feeling the love, gratefully (sic) nothing is serious," he posted on Instagram late on Friday night.

"Couple (of) days with a stiff neck but happy that's all it will be!!!"

The news will give Mitchell a little over a week to recover from the blow before the Blues attempt to claim just their second series win in 12 years at ANZ Stadium after the first-up success in Melbourne.

Mitchell again looked dangerous for the Roosters on Friday night before the injury, having a hand in one try when he stepped before the line and provided a flick pass to Luke Keary, who found Zane Tetevano to score.

But his night came to an end when he got into an awkward position in a tackle from NSW teammate Nathan Cleary.

He laid still on the ground for several minutes before he was taken from the ground.

"It's not good at all when you see someone go down like that," Roosters and NSW captain Boyd Cordner said.

"Straight away I was close to him and he was saying it was his neck.

"You don't want to see that in our game - especially one of your teammates.

"He's in good hands now with our medical staff. By all reports he is doing good. His health is the number one priority right now."


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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