Latrell Mitchell ruled out of State of Origin III with calf injury

Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of State of Origin III with a calf injury in a major blow to NSW's hopes of winning the series.

Mitchell suffered the fresh injury at a South Sydney training session on Monday, just as he had been hoping to return from the back issue that had sidelined him since round nine.

Scans confirmed a calf tear that will rule Mitchell out of contention for Origin III at Lang Park on July 8.

Mitchell had been hopeful of facing Parramatta on Thursday night in the Rabbitohs' last match before the squads are picked for Origin III.

His injury comes as the Blues look to recover from a humiliating 44-24 defeat to Queensland in last week's second match of the series at the MCG.

Mitchell, who has played 11 Origin matches, has previously been considered a walk-up starter for a spot in the centres when fit.

Kotoni Staggs had an especially tough night in Origin II, while the Blues' other centre Tolu Koula has played only two matches for NSW.

A handful of leading options remain if Blues selectors wish to make a change in the centres.

Canterbury's Stephen Crichton returned from a shoulder injury to kick the match-winning field goal in the Bulldogs' 13-12 triumph Manly on Saturday night.

Bradman Best set up a try on his return from a calf injury in Newcastle's 22-20 defeat of St George Illawarra and has been excellent in two previous Origin appearances.