sport, national-sport-news

NSW coach Brad Fittler has indicated recent off-field issues are unlikely to stop him selecting incumbent centres Latrell Mitchell and James Roberts for State of Origin this year. Mitchell and Roberts landed in hot water for separate incidents over the past week, although neither was punished by their NRL club. Sydney Roosters star Mitchell was issued with a criminal infringement notice by police for failing to quit a licensed premises on Saturday. It was alleged Mitchell argued with security as a group of men were ejected following a fight at Old Bar Tavern near his hometown of Taree. Asked whether he was concerned by Mitchell's incident, Fittler said: "He was 22 and they were telling him to get out of a pub, is that right? "At some stage, Latrell's got to make sure that he does not find himself in that position, but no (I'm not concerned). Roberts apologised to his club Brisbane after photographs emerged of him being carried drunk from a party while on their injured list. "The fact that Brisbane didn't do much about it... I'll wait until I speak to James to see exactly what's his story and then we'll take it from there," said Fittler. Of most concern for Fittler is the hamstring injury which has sidelined NSW winger Tom Trbojevic for six to nine weeks. A six-week layoff would allow Trbojevic to return for Manly's May 24 clash with Gold Coast, just three days before teams for Origin I are named. "We'd have to wait and see what's the situation with his hamstring (and) speak closely with Manly medical staff," said Fittler. "But he's a great player. I'm a big fan and I'd be giving him right up to time of selection." Former Blues representatives Blake Ferguson and Josh Mansour could come into contention if Trbojevic is ruled out, while South Sydney youngster Campbell Graham is a dark horse. Graham is also eligible to play for England under Wayne Bennett, who also doubles as Graham's NRL coach at the Rabbitohs. "I always just considered him from NSW. We might have to move on that. Is there any documents we need to sign?" Fittler said. "No, it wouldn't force my hands. I know what sort of person Campbell is. He'd make a wise decision. He's a wise, young person." Australian Associated Press

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/acd1ee66-5d29-4905-bac4-b0281fce7103.jpg/r0_74_800_526_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg