Experienced NRL writer Paul Crawley blasts suggestions that Blues officials are still unconvinced of Latrell Mitchell’s commitment, calling it “ridiculous” to doubt if he is performing well enough to warrant a State of Origin recall for NSW. The superstar fullback dominated the Titans 46–12 on the Gold Coast, putting on a man-of-the-match display.
Mitchell assisted the Bunnies in getting off the bottom of the table, therefore he was involved in almost everything the Rabbitohs accomplished that was good. In an incredible exhibition of attacking footy, Mitchell made four tackle busts, scored the team’s first try, and assisted in three more. And the 26-year-old played excellent defensive, making a few of try-saving tackles when the game was on the line.
For Mitchell, the State of Origin audition process couldn’t have gone any better. The Rabbitohs star was reportedly kept off of Blues coach Michael Maguire’s starting lineup for Game I because of doubts about his level of dedication to NSW. According to rumours that surfaced last week, NSW officials want Mitchell to publicly announce his allegiance to the Blues’ cause. There was a notion that Mitchell felt he owed it to Souths to try to pull his side out of a hole after their catastrophic start to the season.
However, after Joseph Suaalii was suspended for four games for taking a high shot on Maroons fullback Reece Walsh in Game I, Maguire has been searching for a new centre, and there have been increasing requests for Mitchell to be summoned back to The Blues group. After a solid performance against the Broncos, Sharks centre Jesse Ramien is another centre in contention. Bradman Best, who played a key role in Game III last year, is almost ready to return from injury.
Nonetheless, the majority of observers and supporters agree that Maguire would be insane to pass up Mitchell. Furthermore, Crawley stated that the Blues coach should have no concerns whatsoever after his performance over the weekend. For Fox Sports, Crawley said, “Name another contender to replace Joseph Suaalii who made a bigger impact over the round.”
“Dinkum, if you are being fair, In the thunderous 46-12 victory over the Titans, Mitchell, who was by far the finest player on the pitch, completely destroyed the argument. When I later came across an article following the game stating that Mitchell’s selection will not be given any thought until he is completely committed, I had to giggle.
“Someone is in need should remind the officials that the Blues are coming off back-to-back series losses and dropped game one 38–10. You can be sure Billy Slater and Val Holmes, who would have to mark up against Latrell, won’t be upset if they don’t select Mitchell.”
To keep the series alive, Crawley said the Blues needed to put aside doubts about Mitchell’s dedication to Origin and concentrate on winning Game II at the MCG on June 26. In a sentiment shared over the weekend by rugby league’s “Immortal,” Andrew Johns, he maintains that Mitchell is essential to the Blues’ chances.
“There are no ifs or buts—Latrell just needs to come in,” Johns stated on The Sunday Footy Show. There are a lot of whispers going around that something happened before camp and that he either didn’t show up or wasn’t speaking to Madge. Who gives a damn? Enter there with him, please. He recently decimated the Titans and is a real X factor.
He and Stephen Crichton must be the only players in the centres. Whatever has already occurred You have got to work things out or mend that (with Blues coach Maguire). Latrell has a big personality, as we all know, but personalities need to be managed. That is the coach’s responsibility.”
Luke Keary, Mitchell’s former Roosters colleague, supported calls for Mitchell to be called back to Origin, stating that the top Rabbitohs player has the ability to elevate a squad. Additionally, the 26-year-old has never lost an Origin series while playing for the Blues. Keary remarked of Mitchell, “I’ve stood next to him in some big games, two grand finals.”
“Whatever people say about him, whether he’s playing fullback, in form, out of form, in, or out. He believes in those around him, and if he lines up in an Origin game, I can assure you that the guys next to and across from him will do the same. He will show up and may think of big plays at different moments. Whatever frame of mind within. He will appear in NSW.”
Latrell Mitchell in awkward development with Michael Maguire amid huge State of Origin call
Just hours before Latrell Mitchell announces his Blues lineup for Game II, NSW coach Michael Maguire will meet with the player in person. The Rabbitohs star was left out of Maguire’s Game I team, but there are growing cries for Mitchell to be recalled with the series in Melbourne on the line.
Last weekend, Mitchell was playing at his devastating best and contributed to almost every aspect of the Bunnies’ 46-12 victory over the Titans. In addition to scoring the opening try and contributing significantly to three more, the Souths No. 1 made four tackle busts in an impressive performance.
The Blues coach, who is looking for a replacement centre after Joseph Suaalii received a four-game suspension for a high shot on Maroons fullback Reece Walsh in Game I, was bound to be impressed by Mitchell’s performance. Bradman Best and Matt Burton are expected to compete with the Souths star for the open centre position.
However, a lot of people think the Souths fullback will most likely get the call. According to reports, Maguire was unsure of the Rabbitohs star’s level of commitment to the Blues, therefore he left him out of his starting lineup for Game I.
There was a rumour that Mitchell believed Souths owed him an attempt to pull them out of their terrible start to the season. and seasoned rugby league players
Journalist Phil Rothfield said last week on Sky Sports Radio that during a meeting prior to the Origin opener, Maguire was not happy with Mitchell. According to Rothfield, “Madge left that meeting believing that he (Latrell) wasn’t unduly fixated on wearing the Blues jersey.”
Mitchell clarified things on social media by posting: “To be clear, I’m always dedicated to playing for NSW. I made it clear to Madge over the phone that I was 100% committed to joining her team if I was performing well enough. I adore the Origin venue, the competition, and the colour blue.”
On Friday night against the Broncos, the Rabbitohs fullback will get another opportunity to make an impression on Maguire. The two will then spend Saturday together at Souths Juniors for South Sydney’s 10-year premiership reunion. It can be an opportunity for the two to have a conversation.
