LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a twist of fate reminiscent of a nail-biting match, South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has received a positive update on his foot injury, avoiding what could have been a season-ending surgery.
The fullback, who was ruled out of State of Origin 3 after a fiery clash with Parramatta, will likely be back on the field this season, much to the relief of Rabbitohs fans.
Bradman Best has clinched Mitchell's spot in the NSW team for the crucial Origin 3, stepping in after the South Sydney star's unfortunate foot injury last Thursday.
While Mitchell faces at least a month on the sidelines, Souths shared the promising news that surgery is not on the cards.
"Mitchell's left midfoot injury will be managed conservatively, sparing him from the dreaded surgery," the club confirmed in a statement.
A follow-up scan in two weeks will assess his recovery progress.
Despite his standout performance in Game 2 at the MCG, Mitchell's luck took a turn when he sustained a Lisfranc injury against Parramatta.
Regarded as the "ACL of the foot," this setback has put the talented player out of action for some time.
With speculation rife that he may miss the remainder of the season, Souths are undoubtedly feeling the pressure as they navigate their own path to the NRL finals, heavily relying on Mitchell's prowess on the field.
As Mitchell faced consultations with specialists this week, the stakes were high - a season-ending surgery would have been a devastating blow.
Whether South Sydney can salvage their season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - Mitchell's return to the game will be eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike.