Bradman Best named to replace Latrell Mitchell at centre in Blues Origin III side

Jarred Cross Published July 7, 2024 at 8.00pm (AWST)

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Bradman Best has been named at centre to replace Latrell Mitchell, who was ruled out of Origin III with injury at the weekend. (Image: AAP)

Bradman Best has earned his second Origin appearance, selected to replace Latrell Mitchell in the Blues centres after Michael Maguire named his side for next Wednesday's decider in Brisbane.

The Gamilaroi man, 22, slots into the no.3 jumper after starring on debut for NSW, crossing over for two tries at centre in the Blues 24-10 win to gain something out of last year's series in Sydney.

The Knight was an early tip to retain his position before injury ruled him out of game one at Accor Stadium on June 5.

His recall comes as Souths fullback Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of game three, after suffering a serious foot injury - a Lisfranc injury, in the Bunnies' 32-16 win over Parramatta on Thursday, as widely reported over the weekend.

After impressing on return to the NSW side for the first time since 2021 in game two at the MCG, Mitchell is understood to be facing a nervous wait over his availability for the remainder of the 2024 season until the severity of the setback is confirmed.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Mitchell informed Souths officials his foot was sore at halftime of the Eels clash before playing out the match - including a second half try.

NSW team performance manager Frank Ponissi told NewsWire he was "disappointed" by the news regarding the Indigenous All Stars captain.

For Best, it's a second shot at Origin glory after last year's dead rubber.

Speaking with ABC Sport in May, he said celebrating his second try with Josh Addo-Carr was a "special" moment which gave his "goosebumps" last year.

*Best celebrates with Addo-Carr after scoring his second try on Origin debut in game three, 2023. (Image: AAP)*

Fellow Gamilaroi man and Roosters utility Connor Watson has retained his spot on the bench in Maguire's side looking to win their first series since 2021.

Queensland are expected to name their side for a home decider on Monday morning.

Names NSW Blues side for State of Origin Game III

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Brian To'o

3. Bradman Best

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Zac Lomax

6. Jarome Luai

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Jake Trbojevic (c)

9. Reece Robson

10. Payne Haas