Wild twist as Queensland hero gets away ugly Latrell act

Latrell Mitchell has been shown no respect with a Queensland cult hero getting away with murder in the State of Origin decider.

Latrell Mitchell has been given no respect after the NSW star’s penalty pleas were ignored by officials during Queensland’s 24-12 win at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.

Adding insult to injury, the NRL Match Review Committee on Thursday morning announced no charges would be laid after the series decider.

It must feel like a slap in the face for Mitchell after he took a hammer blow to his groin during a scuffle with Maroons fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow late in the second half.

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The incident has been largely overlooked in the aftermath of the Maroons’ mighty series comeback where the Blues’ star-studded backline was well contained by Queensland’s inexperienced outside backs.

Queensland coach Billy Slater was criticised for his selection gambles on centres Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki — but the critics have been put in their place.

You can watch the incident in the video player above.

Latrell Mitchell took a hammer blow. Photo: Fox League.

Mitchell looked the most dangerous player on the field for the Blues, but also found himself out of position in the NSW defensive line on several occasions.

On a night where he was given only meagre opportunities to work some magic, the frustrations appear to have got to the Rabbitohs star when he flipped Tabuai-Fidow over while making a try-saving tackle, but gave up a ruck infringement penalty with eight minutes left in the game.

The Dolphins No. 1 responded in ugly fashion in lashing out with his right boot straight into Mitchell’s tender zone.

The Bunnies star grimaced in pain immediately and fell to the floor looking directly at referee Ashley Klein as Tabuai-Fidow got back to his feet to play the ball.

The match official ignored Mitchell’s complaint and allowed play to continue down the other end of the field.

Mitchell was still on the ground as Queensland got within 20m of the try line.

Fox League’s Warren Smith noted the kick, but stopped short of saying it was a deliberate act.

“There it was. He got one right where you don’t want to get one,” Smith said.

Latrell Mitchell stayed down. Photo: Fox League.

Blues' Latrell Mitchell (above) and Maroons' Valentine Holmes clash. Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (L) tackled by Latrell Mitchell. Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP.

Queensland legend Cooper Cronk also said Mitchell had to get back and defend his edge rather than stay on the ground.

The Match Review Committee clearly agreed.

Mitchell was far from the only Blues star on the field struggling to control his frustrations on a night where playmakers Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai struggled to make an impact.

Blues coach Laurie Daley has been criticised over his selections, particularly in the middle of the field.

Stefano Utoikamanu — a player controversially picked over the likes of Terrell May and Keaon Koloamatangi — has been singled out after he failed to put his body on the line to stop Harry Grant’s burrowing try.

Galvanised by Cameron Munster’s brave decision to play days after his dad’s passing, the Maroons defied the odds to blow NSW off their home ground in Sydney in a blistering first half.

Phil Gould was scathing of NSW’s attack and the lack of spirit shown by the Blues, saying on Nine post-game: “Origin is different to club football and it looked like an Origin side playing against a club side.”

After the Blues’ shocking first half, when they trailed 20-0, Gould said: “Credit to Queensland, they’ve played perfect Origin football.

“I can’t say the same for NSW in attack. They’ve looked very predictable. They’ve looked rushed. There’s been no cohesion in defence. They’re really disconnected all up and down the field, not just on their goal line. NSW just look so predictable. There’s nothing dangerous coming at you and Queensland are really connected.

“They’ve played perfect Origin football and I don’t know what NSW are doing to be honest.”

An emotional Cleary told Nine post-game: “Shattering to be honest. Just wasn’t good enough. And at the end of the day, we probably didn’t react well enough to their rushing defence. And they saved tries, they scrambled and we struggled to do that.”