Rumours of Latrell Mitchell’s 4am Origin move after NSW win

After the Blues’ tame celebrations following their Game 1 win, Latrell Mitchell reportedly made a pre-dawn dash from the NSW camp.

Latrell Mitchell is showing some impressive commitment to his footy career.

The 27-year-old, who has had issues on and off the field across his career to date, played his part in the NSW Blues’ impressive Game 1 win over Queensland in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

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While the South Sydney star’s dedication to the game has been questioned at times, his move after the series-opening win has raised eyebrows for all the right reasons.

Blues coach Laurie Daley has said the post-match celebrations were fairly composed and ended by 1am on Thursday, with the squad focused on winning a second consecutive series against the Maroons.

Nathan Cleary and Latrell Mitchell celebrate the Game 1 victory. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

It has been reported Mitchell left the team hotel around 4am to return to Sydney and he was then spotted back at Rabbitohs training later that morning.

Mitchell and Blues teammate Spencer Leniu have been under self-imposed media bans while in NSW camp, moves that have divided many in the rugby league world.

It has been speculated part of Mitchell’s early departure may have been designed to avoid the cameras and journalists that gather outside the team hotel the morning after an Origin game.

The former Rooster has been active on social media, however, posting a clip on Instagram of himself slotting a goal in NSW practice on Monday (you can see that below).

Latrell Mitchell with his family and the Aussie PM after Game 1. Photo: Instagram

He was then back at Rabbitohs training on Thursday morning. Photo: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Mitchell turned around before the ball went through, replicating a move from NBA champion Steph Curry after he hits a three-pointer, and added the caption: “Over to you Steph Curry.”

The Blues centre also posted a photo from the NSW rooms after Game 1 alongside his children and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

A massive South Sydney fan, Albanese is beaming a huge smile in the photo and Mitchell poked a little fun at the PM in his caption.

“Some Random Souths bloke wanted a photo,” he wrote.

The post has over 57,000 likes and 240 comments, including former NSW star Matty Johns, who said: “Congratulations mate.”

One fan wrote: “You can see he’s genuinely chuffed. Beautiful little family.”

Another said: “As a Maroons supporter mate, was awesome to see you play so well. Congrats!”

A third stated: “One of your best games ever. Well done and so glad you’re back.”

Mitchell had some important moments in the opening Origin showdown, including in Brian To’o’s 28th minute try.

After the Blues worked the ball to the left hand side of the field, Mitchell passed to To’o while mid-air as he was about to get tackled.

Mitchell has been named to face the Warriors on Sunday. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“He actually caught and passed that in mid-air, Latrell Mitchell,” Cam Smith said on Nine.

Brad Fittler added: “Latrell when he threw the ball he was off the ground.

“I don’t know how he finds the strength to be able to flick it through his hands that quick.”

Mitchell also had some strong moments in defence and while he is battling a knee concern, he has been named at fullback and captain for Souths’ home match against the Warriors on Sunday.

Barring injury, Mitchell will then be pulling on the sky blue jumper for Game 2 in Perth on June 18.