Weekend Read: Latrell Mitchell could save the Blues in Origin II, Dragons to re-sign three players
It is not impossible for NSW to level the Origin ledger in Brisbane, but it is unlikely writes Brent Read, provided they pick Latrell Mitchell and stick by an out of form star.
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Impossible? History suggests maybe not, although it’s not far off the mark. The Blues need a State of Origin miracle as they prepare to head to Brisbane given their record at a ground, where NSW hearts continue to be broken.
In their past 10 games at Suncorp Stadium, NSW have won only twice. The average losing margin has been seven points. The Blues have been hammered on more than one occasion. They need everything to go right as they prepare to save the series, starting in the selection room.
For the second time in as many years, the Blues blundered in Origin I. They picked the wrong side and paid a heavy price. Twelve months ago, Brad Fittler and his advisor Greg Alexander opted to overlook Josh Addo-Carr and Jake Trbojevic for the opening game of the Origin series.
They were beaten and never recovered. They got it wrong again in Origin I in Adelaide. Tevita Pangai Junior came with a warning label. Risk attached.
Fittler talked about balancing the risk and reward with the Canterbury forward. In the end, the bad outweighed the good.
Hudson Young had little impact and while Nicho Hynes demanded selection, the game didn’t cater for his use. Even when he was eventually thrown into the fray, it was a questionable decision.
When Tom Trbojevic left the field with a head knock late in the game, NSW may have been better served turning to 18th man Matt Burton, who had been activated and had recent experience playing in the centres.
Perhaps he wouldn’t have been exposed by Cameron Munster in the same manner as Hynes. All hope was gone right there and then. The upshot is that any hope of winning in Brisbane needs to start with the side.
Latrell Mitchell comes straight back in. Easy decision. Mitchell will relish heading to Suncorp and taking on the Maroons. The biggest star in rugby league will be a target but he will take delight in playing the villain.
The stage is made for him. Series on the line. NSW needs a hero. Enter Latrell. He is capable of turning the series on its head. He is that good. Fittler and Alexander will have their fingers and toes crossed that he is fit enough to take part.
If not, they may as well hand the shield to Queensland now. Mitchell has become that important to NSW. It’s no coincidence that the last time the Blues won in Brisbane, Mitchell was tormenting the Maroons in the centres.
Up in Queensland, not much can compete with a Origin win for a Maroons fan. Perhaps the only thing that comes close is watching the reaction in NSW when Queensland put them to the sword.
Bile and vitriol has cascaded across social media in the days since Origin I. The most ridiculous has been the call for the head of James Tedesco, a man who may be down on form but has been the bedrock of the Blues for the past decade.
NSW supporters suggesting he should be gone should hang their heads in shame. Tedesco warrants a second chance. And a third after that. Maybe a fourth as well.
His service for his state demands it. Tedesco sets himself high standards and he is the first to admit things didn’t go to play in Origin I.
But rather than placing him in the crosshairs, NSW supporters would be better placed taking aim at those responsible for picking the wrong side to surround him.
If this is to be Fittler’s last series in charge of NSW, his selections as much as his coaching will have cost him. The Blues have been favourites in 15 of Fittler’s 16 games in charge.
They have won only eight of them. They have been a disaster for the bookies and a disappointment for supporters, but all hope is not lost.
They need a miracle in Brisbane. Mitchell is capable of conjuring one.
DRAGONS SET TO FEND OFF RIVALS TO RE-SIGN KEY TRIO
St George Illawarra have fended off interest from Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins to re-sign one of their brightest young stars, Hamish Stewart.
They are on the verge of extending their deal with winger Mikaele Ravalawa for at least a further two seasons, having convinced the Fijian powerhouse that the club is moving in the right direction.
Jack de Belin, having recently worn the captain’s armband, is expected to follow suit in coming weeks. If you listen to the whispers, players can’t wait to find the exit door as the Dragons reel from one disaster to the next.
Ravalawa, de Belin and Stewart suggest otherwise. Maybe all is not lost in Wollongong after one of the most dire weeks in the club’s history, when they were turned down by one of their own.
The Dragons chased Jason Ryles hard and thought they had him as late as Monday. By Wednesday, he had decided his future lay at a club where there was no guarantee of a future as head coach.
Ryles hasn’t elaborated on his reasons but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to suggest he was attracted to Melbourne because the club had more stability, a stronger football department and a quality roster.
The Dragons are expected to draw up a shortlist and reignite their chase for a coach in coming days. At some point, they need to step up work on their roster.
Ravalawa, de Belin and Stewart are a start but the new coach needs to have a squad to work with. Importantly, he needs to have Ben Hunt on board.
Now that Origin I is out the way, Dragons officials need to sit down with Hunt and thrash out his future. The clock is ticking.
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Originally published as Weekend Read: Latrell Mitchell could save the Blues in Origin II, Dragons to re-sign three players
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