NSW Blues squad for State of Origin Game 2 vs Queensland Maroons

Latrell Mitchell’s fate has been decided with reports claiming the Rabbitohs star’s State of Origin exile is over.

3 min read

June 16, 2024 - 1:05PM

Michael Maguire and Latrell Mitchell in discussion at the 10-year reunion of the Rabbitohs' 2014 premiership win at Souths Juniors. Credit: Rabbitohs,

Latrell Mitchell is all but confirmed to return to the State of Origin cauldron with the South Sydney star set to be named in the NSW Blues squad for Game 2.

News Corp first reported Blues coach Michael Maguire will pick Mitchell when he announces his team on Sunday night.

Mitchell was overlooked for the Blues’ series-opening loss to Queensland, but Joseph Sua’ali’i’s suspension has opened the door for Mitchell to return to Origin footy for the first time since 2021.

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The Rabbitohs star will return to his old position at left centre for the Blues, with Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton to take the centre spot on the right edge.

Mitchell’s selection is expected to be one of several changes Maguire will make for Game 2 on June 26 at the MCG.

Latrell Mitchell is back. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

The drums have been beating for Mitchell’s selection on the back of a number of impressive performances for his club.

Mitchell’s return appeared to have been sealed when he met with Maguire on Saturday.

Mitchell scored a try, ran 176m, had a line break, a line break assist and a try assist and kicked for 291m in a huge performance in the Rabbitohs’ 22-12 win over the Broncos on Friday night to bolster his claim for a return to the Origin arena.

However, he also spent 10 minutes in the sin bin after running in following Jordan Riki’s high shot on his Rabbitohs skipper Cameron Murray.

Mitchell was given a $3000 fine for an early guilty plea, but if he fights it and loses he would face a two-match suspension.

With an Origin appearance on the line, he will not be risking anything at the judiciary.

According to reports Mitchell and Maguire spent the day together on Saturday as both were invited to the Rabbitohs’ 2014 premiership reunion, which Maguire coached.

While all current players were invited to the event, Mitchell was both photographed speaking with Maguire, but also playing up to the camera.

He even posted to Instagram, writing: “We on?”

Latrell has fuelled the flames. Photo: Instagram

They look like they had a bit to talk about … Credit: Rabbitohs

With the NSW team for Game 2 set to be announced on Sunday evening, Mitchell spoke with the Sydney Morning Herald, saying he’s ready to return to the NRL’s showpiece event.

“I’m ready. I’m keen,” Mitchell told the SMH. “If Madge (Maguire) wants me, I’m in. I’m ready to go to Melbourne and give it to some Queenslanders.

“There was a lot of doubt with NSW because I’ve never been looked after. I’ve been the scapegoat. I don’t want to go into this camp being the scapegoat if they lose.

“I want to go into a camp and feel comfortable in my own skin and create some bonds and get ready to play for people I want to play for. Not go in and be the scapegoat for the media to go, ‘Latrell this, this and this’.”

It comes after Mitchell was reportedly considering withdrawing from Origin selection earlier in the season.

He also had a chat with Maguire leading into Game 1, where The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield reported Madge “walked away from that meeting with an opinion that he (Latrell) wasn’t overly obsessed about wearing the Blues jersey,” Rothfield said at the time.

Latrell looks ready now. Credit: Rabbitohs,

However, Mitchell claimed, having rediscovered his form amid the Rabbitohs’ three-game resurgence in recent weeks, he “wasn’t in the right headspace before Game 1”.

“At the same time, I was probably a bit filthy I didn’t get picked, to be honest,” he continued.

“I was playing god there for a little bit. I didn’t know what I wanted. I played with fire a little bit. The doubt was there. I was scared about being thrown under the bus again.

“But now I know where I stand as a player. I’m ready to go if I get picked. I won’t let the state down.”