‘He’s a must’: Footy world declare Latrell Mitchell truth NSW cannot ignore

Latrell Mitchell missed selection for the Blues in State of Origin game one but fans have made their verdict on his game two chances.

Latrell Mitchell gave Madge his answer. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Latrell Mitchell’s has put his hand up for State of Origin duty in a tremendous performance in a 46-12 thrashing of the Gold Coast Titans that has finally lifted South Sydney off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

Mitchell’s form has been patchy at best this season as the Rabbitohs struggled to get going in 2024 but the star has been trumpeted as the man to give the Blues an X-factor in the second State of Origin match.

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After the 38-10 shellacking to Queensland on Wednesday night after rookie centre Joseph Sua’ali’i was sensationally sent off just seven minutes into the match, the talk immediately turned to changes the Blues had to make.

While there are plenty of opinions, the one many believe coach Michael Maguire has to make immediately is the return of Mitchell to the centres.

Mitchell himself raised eyebrows with a cryptic post after Origin of him watching the match at home, with most interpretations that it was an ice cold suggestion from Latrell that he was ready for action.

Judging by his performance on Saturday afternoon, it was exactly what he was saying.

Mitchell ran for 131m in 12 runs from fullback, scored 16 points through a try and six conversions as well as setting up three tries and three line break assists in the record drubbing on the Gold Coast.

Latrell Mitchell gave Madge his answer. Picture: NRL Imagery

Mitchell also took control of the Rabbitohs’ kicking, booting 307m, including some spiral bombs that found the turf.

“He’s got to continue to get better and I can’t see why Madge (Maguire) wouldn’t want to pick him,” Souths interim coach Ben Hornby said.

“He was great today.”

Similarly, Souths captain Cody Walker had nothing but praise for Mitchell.

“He was outstanding today,” Walker said.

“His kicking game is unbelievable, he’s got the biggest boot in our team and it starts our defensive sets off (right).”

Walker also praised his defensive ability after making two try savers early in the game.

“That’s one of his strengths isn’t it? When teams make a line-break they’ve got to get past the big fella,” Walker said.

“He’s got that presence about him where he’s hard to beat one-on-one.”

Blues squad member for game one Luke Keary said he could see Mitchell getting the call up.

“He’s been in there before and done a really good job too,” Keary said.

“There’s another week left before selection and a lot can happen in a week.”

Keary said there were a few options for NSW with 18th man Matt Burton and former centre Kotoni Staggs impressing this season.

This was the Latrell the NRL has been waiting for. Picture: NRL Imagery

Kangaroos coach and rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga said he’d have Mitchell in the side.

“They talk about Latrell’s effort levels — I thought he was in for the whole 80 minutes tonight,” Meninga said.

“He made a real difference — three try assists, saved a couple of tries as well — he’s in a happy mood.

“I think having a buoyant, confident Latrell in the NSW side would be a good addition.”

Keary added: “Whether he’s in-form, out of form, played fullback, if he lines up in an Origin game, I can guarantee you, the blokes standing across from him and the blokes next to him, he puts believe in people.”

Meninga said Mitchell is “one of the best centres to play the game,” arguing one of his great strengths is in defence.

But while there’s still plenty of football before the game two team is decided, fans were already declaring Mitchell was a certainty.

Latrell Mitchell, you are a New South Wales Blue in 2024.#NRLTitansRabbitohs#Originpic.twitter.com/jYhVQIxp8L

— Jack Blyth (@jblesfooty224) June 8, 2024

SEN producer Nathan Brookes posted: “Latrell wants that Blues jersey.”

The Oracle added: “I wanted him for game 1, but now he’s a must for the do or die Origin 2. Never experienced a series defeat. Madge has to pick Latrell Mitchell.”

Another fan said: “Latrell Mitchell is easily man of the match. Origin 2?”

Another commented: “I said back in 2021 Latrell should never miss an origin game, no one listened.”

For the Rabbitohs, it was an important victory, becoming the club’s first back-to-back wins in 13 months.

While Mitchell was instrumental, he was well complemented by his team’s most complete performance of the season to date.

After largely being dominated all season the Rabbitohs’ forward stood up, led by 261m from Keaon Koloamatangi.

But Thomas Burgess, Tallis Duncan, Jai Arrow and Michael Chee Kam all also ran over 100m.

With Jack Brady, NCA Newswire