Willie Mason rubbishes Latrell Mitchell Origin talk ahead of game two

The Bulldogs and NSW great had a blunt message for Latrell Mitchell’s critics as rumours swirl over his game two prospects.

Willie Mason wants Latrell Mitchell back in the Blues squad. Picture: Supplied

Canterbury Bulldogs great Willie Mason labelled Latrell Mitchell “the best left centre in the world” and pushed the Rabbitohs superstar’s case for an Origin recall.

Mitchell was not selected by Blues coach Michael Maguire for Game I, but thanks to Joseph Suaalii’s suspension and an injury to Kotoni Staggs, he has a strong chance of being picked for Game II.

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When asked by NRL legend Gorden Tallis who should take Suaalii’s spot at left centre, Mason did not hesitate in naming Mitchell.

“He just scares the hell out of teams,” Mason, who made 13 appearances for NSW, said on NRL 360.

“He’s got that X-factor. I know they didn’t consider him for game one with what was going on off the field.

“The papers were controlling this narrative saying he’s a bad influence. I don’t think that’s a fact.

Mitchell has two former stars backing him for a Blues recall. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I think he’s really shown it in the last couple of weeks and I think he’s going to prove it again this week.

“I still think he’s the best left centre in the world. He’s just got that attack and he’s got that presence and he’s the only one that scares Queensland.”

Mitchell Pearce, who played 19 games for the Blues, agreed with Mason’s verdict and praised the Bunnies superstar’s ability to step up to the big stage when needed.

“Latrell came off a good game last week,” Pearce said.

“He’s had a couple of big games. In all of the criticism, he’s had some big performances, even in a team that’s been struggling.

Willie Mason wants Latrell Mitchell back in the Blues squad. Pictures: Supplied

“When he’s on and his head is on, he plays really well. In Origin, he’s proven.

“Like Mas said, he’s intimidating, he’s big, he’s strong. I think we need that.”

Mitchell has not played for the Blues since 2021 as injuries forced the 26-year-old to miss Origin in 2022 and 2023.

But strong performances in his last two games, including a try, three try assists and four linebreak assists against the Titans, has Mitchell firmly in the frame for a NSW recall as the Blues look to level the 2024 Origin series.

Originally published as Willie Mason rubbishes Latrell Mitchell Origin talk ahead of game two