LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a devastating blow for the maligned NRL star, Latrell Mitchell has suffered a brutal setback that has put his State of Origin dreams on shaky ground.
Despite many fans and pundits penciling him into their predicted NSW teams, Mitchell's latest suspension has thrown a spanner in the works.
The State of Origin arena is where Mitchell has always shone brightest, with his flair and skill making him a standout performer for the Blues in the past.
However, his recent three-game ban has put a cloud over his chances of donning the sky-blue jersey once again in 2021.
The South Sydney fullback will be sidelined for the next three games following an incident where he elbowed Shaun Johnson in the face during a match.
With a bye in round seven adding an extra week to his suspension, Mitchell faces an uphill battle to convince coach Michael Maguire he deserves a spot in the team.
For now, Mitchell's Origin hopes hang in the balance as he faces a race against time to prove his worth before the squad is announced.
In rugby league terms, it's make or break for the talented but controversial star.