Latrell Mitchell was almost in tears because of back pain on Sunday

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is expected to return from a back injury in time for Origin I for NSW, with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett revealing the game’s most in-form centre was almost in tears because of the pain at half-time last weekend.

Bennett also took a swipe at the NRL for breaking the news of Mitchell’s injury before Souths did, saying: “They aren’t great at holding secrets.”

Mitchell was ruled out with a back injury on Thursday, which was revealed by the NRL – not Souths – when debutant Latrell Siegwalt appeared in the No. 23 jersey on the official team lists.

Bennett said Mitchell had since received a cortisone injection, and while he would miss Saturday’s clash against Cronulla, he was an outside chance of returning next week against the Dolphins for Magic Round in Brisbane.

“He’s got a bulging disc in his back, and he probably shouldn’t be out for more than a couple of weeks – I don’t think he’s in doubt [for Origin I],” Bennett said on Friday.

“He got some treatment for it and got a needle [on Thursday]. He’s reacted pretty well to it all. Hopefully we might have him back next week. If not, he’ll certainly be right for NSW; State of Origin is two and a half weeks away at least, so he’ll certainly be right by then.”

Mitchell scored one of the great tries of the season when he charged over the top of Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga late in the game on Sunday, then reached out for the match-winner, only to be set upon by five Knights.

Bennett said it was a brave effort from Mitchell considering the state he was in at half-time. “He told me he was in a lot of pain, I asked him if he could carry on and he said he could,” Bennett said.

“He got home and the following morning he could hardly walk. He’s been in a fair bit of pain most of the week.

“It was pretty brave. It probably didn’t help his situation this week. But we didn’t know at the time what it was.

“He was close to tears at half-time – he went back out and we all saw what he did.”

The likely inclusion of Mitchell is a huge boost for the Blues who have several players unavailable through injury and suspension.

Bennett looked visibly frustrated the NRL had broken the news of Mitchell’s withdrawal. Souths needed the NRL’s permission to bring in Siegwalt from outside the original 22-man squad, and were told to keep quiet until it was all confirmed, said Bennett.

“The NRL aren’t great at holding secrets, and it wasn’t a secret either,” Bennett said.

“I think it’s the club’s responsibility to nominate their players and when they’re in the team or out of the team. I don’t think it is an NRL decision.

“There’s nothing about integrity that was being questioned there. But surely the club’s got a right to tell their people, or get ourselves sorted out here before we’re inundated with phone calls and the rest that goes with it.

“I had a staff member tell me the NRL said for us to not say anything at that time. That was fine, but then it was contrary to what happened.

“I think it’s the club’s prerogative to make that announcement – it’s such a big-name player as well.”

Such is Mitchell’s influence, bookmakers reacted to Mitchell’s withdrawal, by installing Cronulla as firm favourites.

Siegwalt will make his debut, with his family making the hurried trip from Queensland for the special occasion.

“He’s a very good athlete, very highly skilled, he’s got his opportunity and I’m pleased for him,” Bennett said.

Siegwalt and halfback Ashton Ward, who plays his first game for the season after overcoming an ankle injury, were locked in a goal-kicking shootout after training, “only for a couple of other no-hopers turning up and trying to convince me they could kick as well”, Bennett said with a smile.