‘I bleed blue’: Latrell Mitchell says he is committed to NSW despite State of Origin omission

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has hit back at critics, saying he “bleeds blue” and will be cheering on NSW from the sidelines despite his Origin omission.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 23: Latrell Mitchell runs during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Coogee Oval on May 23, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has put to bed any suggestion he is not committed to the NSW Blues, responding to his omission from the side for the opening State of Origin game by insisting he bleeds blue and loves the arena.

Mitchell, who missed out on a centre spot to Steve Crichton and Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i for Origin I took to social media to reiterate his commitment to playing for NSW.

He also revealed he had told Blues coach Michael Maguire during a phone conversation to count him in if he was playing well enough.

Latrell Mitchell training with the Blues in 2023. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Maguire, however, went in a different direction and Mitchell said he would be cheering the Blues as they look to open the series with a win at Accor Stadium next week.

“I’m always committed to playing for NSW,” Mitchell wrote.

“I specifically said to Madge via phone call if I’m playing well enough for me to be in your side then I’m in. I bleed blue, l love the rivalry and the Origin arena.”

Mitchell has played seven games for NSW, although his last appearance for the Blues was three years ago. A hamstring injury hurt his chances of playing in 2022 and then a calf problem sidelined him for the 2023 series.

His omission this time is form related, although he produced one of his best performances of the season in the Rabbitohs’ last-start win over Parramatta.

Mitchell, however, hasn’t given up hope of playing during this year’s series.

“All I can do now is focus on Souths and winning more games,” Mitchell said.