‘He’s dangerous’: Souths players urge the Blues to pick ‘scary’ Latrell Mitchell for must-win Origin clash

Souths stars have sent a clear message to Michael Maguire to pick Latrell Mitchell if the Blues want to keep this year’s series alive.

South Sydney teammates have backed Latrell Mitchell to earn a State of Origin recall.

South Sydney veteran Tom Burgess has urged Blues coach Michael Maguire to pick Latrell Mitchell for game two of the State of Origin series, describing the star fullback as “dangerous” and someone the Maroons wouldn’t want to face at the MCG.

Mitchell and Matt Burton are the leading candidates to replace the suspended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii after the rookie centre was sent off at Accor Stadium and banned for four matches for a high shot on Reece Walsh.

It’s opened the door for Mitchell to play his first Origin game since 2021 when he was almost the player of the series, with the fullback putting in some eye-catching performances for his club side after an underwhelming start to the season before he was suspended.

Injuries have cost Mitchell a Blues jersey in previous years, and he looms as a potential saviour if Maguire wants to bring in one of the most feared players in the NRL who is coming off his best game of the year against the Titans.

Latrell Mitchell was unstoppable for the Blues in 2021. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I’d have him in there if I was the coach. I think he’s dangerous. If you’re a Queenslander, you’d rather him out of the side than in the side,” Burgess said.

“He’s one of those athletes that’s big and fast and strong, but he can also throw a 30m ball and he’s getting his kicking game there as well. He thinks he’s Dusty Martin. It’s another string to the bow for him and we’re better with him in the side.

“I don’t think he’s too worried about that (proving a point) right now. He’s focused on the red and green. He’s passionate about the Blues and wants them to do well. If he’s needed there then I’m sure he’d be in the conversation.”

Teammate Peter Mamouzelos has had to go up against Mitchell at “scary” opposed sessions, which is why he’s confident the Souths star will be picked.

Mitchell was the best player on the field on Saturday as Souths smashed the Titans. Picture: NRL Imagery

“It’s scary, especially in the form that he’s in at the moment,” he said.

“I don’t think Queensland want to see him selected. I think for Latrell it’s just building on the back of his previous performances. If he keeps doing that, I’m pretty sure he’ll be there. He’s killing it at the moment.”

Mitchell isn’t the only Rabbitohs player pushing for game two, with skipper Cam Murray training on Tuesday and firming for selection for Friday’s Broncos blockbuster.

The lock forward has been out for more than a month after he suffered a hip flexor injury against the Panthers, with Murray likely to walk straight back into the Blues side to add to his 13 Origin appearances.

Cameron Murray is expected to return just in time for one final Origin audition. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“He looked like he’s not missed a beat out there today on the field. He’s obviously very professional in how he goes about his recovery,” Burgess said.

“He’s got back out there probably ahead of time. He might be a welcome addition back in for us.

“Obviously, he’s our captain, he’s everything about what Souths is. He’s a massive part of our squad and he has been for a while now. He will be for many more years on. It’s good to have him back.

“I’d say so (he’ll play). He’s pretty close. He’s got to see how he pulls up after today, he did everything today. It’s a bit of a short turnaround this week. We’ll do the captain’s run on Thursday and then yeah, I’d put my money on him playing.”