Huge blow for NSW Blues as Latrell Mitchell set to be ruled out of State of Origin III decider with a foot injury

The NSW Blues are reeling with star centre Latrell Mitchell set to be ruled out of the State of Origin series decider in Brisbane.

It is understood the 27-year-old will undergo further scans on Saturday to determine the severity of his foot injury.

Mitchell reportedly suffered the injury in the Rabbitohs' win over Parramatta on Thursday night, but played through the pain.

The likes of Newcastle's Bradman Best, Canterbury's Matt Burton or Manly's Tom Trbojevic loom as his possible replacement.

Sea Eagles star Trbojevic will play in the centres on Saturday night against the Cowboys as he makes a timely return from a hamstring injury. 

However, former NSW Blues prop Steve Roach felt throwing Trbojevic straight back into the Blues side would be a huge call given he has been sidelined for nearly two months.

'That's a big ask for Tommy Turbo if Latrell is out, and it looks he is going to be out, to come back into that [NSW] side after one game,' Roach said on Fox League.

'Let's not forget Bradman Best, a true left centre....I reckon he might come into the equation now too. He's in form, let's give him a chance.'

Sydney Roosters star Joseph Suaalii could also be drafted back into Michael Maguire's team after serving a four-game suspension for his late hit on Reece Walsh in the series opener in Sydney on June 5.

Mitchell had discovered a purple patch of form at South Sydney in recent weeks, with the Rabbitohs winning five successive NRL matches as they chase a finals spot.

He was also a standout for the Blues in their 38-18 win at the MCG in game two. 

'It's been a long time. I love playing Origin. I bleed blue and I'm happy to be back,' Mitchell said post game in Melbourne.

With the series locked at 1-1, the decider between NSW and Queensland will be staged at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.

Queensland coach Billy Slater is chasing his third successive series triumph, with NSW last lifting the interstate shield in 2021.