Latrell Mitchell is ready to take to the Origin stage for the first time since 2021, with the Rabbitohs star earning a recall into the Blues side for the must win Game II against the Maroons.
Mitchell was overlooked for Game I, however his play during the Rabbitohs’ three-game win streak has been outstanding, earning him a spot at centre for Game II.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mitchell quipped he “didn’t pick up” Maguire’s first phone call.
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“I’ve had to overcome a lot of things, which made me more resilient, a bit more smarter,” Mitchell said Monday at a Blues Junior Football Clinic.
“I didn’t pick up the first call… I just wanted to play some good footy for Souths and get back to them. That’s all it was and the form obviously spoke for itself.”
Veteran journalist Brent Read says the Blues’ team for Game II is better than the Game I side, and believes Mitchell is the most threatening player on the park.
“I was there on Friday and watched him against the Broncos and you saw that try he scored running over Jock Madden and Kotoni Staggs I think it was. He is such a powerhouse,” Read said on NRL360.
“He’s in the mood right now. After overcoming a difficult start to the year, he’s in a good headspace, he’s playing really good footy and he’s the one guy who scares me as a Queenslander and I would have had him in Game I.
“Hopefully for New South Wales’ sake, they haven’t left it to late to bring him into the team.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said that he admired how Mitchell “didn’t declare his availability” for Game I in order to focus on his form at club land.
Now that he’s earned a recall and is in red-hot form, Rothfield predicts Mitchell will be given “a licence” in attack.
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“I imagine Madge will give Latrell some sort of licence that he doesn’t in attack when we have the football that he doesn’t stand in a traditional left centre position and he can roam,” Rothfield said.
“I think they just want his hands on the football and not having to wait for it.”
NRL360 co-host Braith Anasta disagreed, believing the Blues should “keep it simple” with Mitchell.
“He’s arguably the best centre in the game when he plays there. Do your job, focus on your job and you’ll be bloody hard how to stop,” Anasta said.
“Queensland are mad if they don’t go after him though because he hasn’t played centre in a while,” Read opined
“I know you don’t forget how to play there but it has been a long time since he’s played there.
“And Reece Walsh’s speed, doesn’t matter how good a centre you are, he can get you.”
