Centres of excellence: How Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell dominated Origin

Tom Trbojevic was the winner of the Wally Lewis medal but Latrell Mitchell pushed him all the way.

Tom Trbojevic capped his State of Origin series by winning the Wally Lewis medal but he was pushed all the way by Latrell Mitchell. Remarkably, the best players for NSW yet again were arguably their two centres.

As has been the case throughout this year’s series, they took turns turning the screws on Queensland. They tormented the Maroons.

On Wednesday night at Cbus Stadium, Queensland finally found the antidote, albeit only just, as they salvaged some pride from the series. In the dying minutes, Trbiojevic and Mitchell both had the chances to emerge the hero and rub salt into the gaping Maroon wounds.

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Trbojevic speared through and seemed certain to score or set up his captain James Tedesco. Rather than back himself, he looked for the pass and Kalyn Ponga intervened. The ball hit the turf and the opportunity was lost.

Trbojevic has been so decisive during this year’s series but he showed he was human after all. Mitchell, having scored a try in the first half, had a shot at goal in the final minutes to square the game and potentially send the match into golden point.

Mitchell backed himself. His kick from halfway came up agonisingly short. For the first time in the series, the Blues superstar centres weren’t able to get their side over the line.

The Maroons finally had a victory and a moment to savour.

Trojevic’s performance in this year’s series was the stuff of legend. He has been the star in the NRL since returning from a serious hamstring injury and has maintained the rage in Origin, defying those who suspected his injury woes may have restricted his impact.

He saved his quietest night for the final night, but he still looked capable to turning the match on its head at any given moment. He finished Origin III running for more than 120m and took home one of the game’s most prestigious individual honours for good measure. He did it while playing out of position.

Mitchell didn’t run as far, but he was arguably more damaging. He busted six tackles in all, scored a try and troubled Queensland with his size and footwork.

For a time he was on the outer but Mitchell’s return has coincided with more NSW success. He has been welcomed back with open arms and on his performance this year, he is in for a long stay.

“A long road to get here, had my ups and downs,” he said. “I love putting this jersey on and I put it on with pride. Now I know what it takes to be a Blue.”

NSW coach Brad Fittler added of Mitchell: “I think with Turbo (Triojevic), they did all the damage in the first two games without a doubt.

“In think Queensland did a good job on them tonight. They had their defence in order, although Latrell made the most of a minimal opportunity.

“I think when he is playing he is going to get more fans and crowds. They are so good to watch. There were a couple of players out there tonight who are brilliant.

“They are fantastic to watch and he is one of them.”

Mitchell even found time to get under the skin of his South Sydney teammate Dane Gagai.

“It is good,” Mitchell said. “I love Gags. I don’t show no (respect) on the field, that is how we play.”