- Star was under great pressure to perform in the lead-up
- Incorporated despite Souths’ patchy form
- He played a leading role in the Blues’ stellar victory.
Blues star Latrell Mitchell was momentarily left speechless as he received a standing ovation from the crowd at a packed MCG just after NSW defeated Queensland in Wednesday night’s State of Origin match.
The oft-controversial Souths full-back was under huge pressure to perform after being selected despite his inconsistent form and discipline issues for the Bunnies this year, but came through in grand fashion with a strong game for his state.
In the lead-up to the match, Mitchell said many football fans hate him despite not knowing who he really is, but he received nothing but love from the 90,084 fans in Melbourne.
The 27-year-old was being interviewed by Blues great Channel Nine commentator Paul Gallen after full-time when the crowd reacted to seeing him on the big screen on the ground.
When asked about NSW’s excellent defence, Mitchell said: “We were all about defending there and showing a blue wall, and it was really nice to see how the week went.”
He then smiled and had to pause when he was nearly drowned out by the roar of the crowd, prompting him to say, ‘That’s so good!’
“I’m not talking about myself, it’s about the people who showed up today, it’s about everyone who is here in blue t-shirts and shirts.”
Mitchell was one of many standout players for the Blues in their 38-18 victory, which saw them build a record 34-0 lead at halftime.
Football fans haven’t always been kind to Mitchell, but 90,000 of them showed him nothing but love when he did a post-match interview with football great Paul Gallen (right) on Wednesday.
He scored a try, set up Brian To’o’s triple with a sublime pass and hammered the Maroons in defense all night, especially when he picked up Queensland superstar fullback Reece Walsh.
However, he was also reported for a grade one sloppy high tackle on winger Xavier Coates when he hit him high while delivering a bomb.
It was feared he could receive a suspension for the kick, but the NRL decided it was only worth fining him seven per cent of his wages for the match.
Mitchell was overlooked by manager Michael Maguire during the first game due to his poor form for Souths, and it was rumored that ‘Madge’ did not believe he was committed enough to play for the Blues.
The Souths fullback is shown soaking up the atmosphere at the MCG after playing a big role in the Blues’ demolition of Queensland.
Mitchell scored a try (pictured) and set up another with a special pass
He cheekily reminded Maguire that he was ready for a game by posting a photo of him sitting with the coach at Souths’ 2014 championship meeting two weeks ago, accompanied by the caption: “Are we ready?”
“If Madge (Maguire) wants me, I’m in. I’m ready to go to Melbourne and give it to some Queenslanders,” Mitchell said.
‘There were many doubts with NSW because they had never attended to me. I have been the scapegoat. I don’t want to go into this field being the scapegoat if they lose.
“I want to go to a camp and feel comfortable with myself, create some bonds and get ready to play for the people I want to play with.” Don’t come in and be the scapegoat for the media to say: ‘Latrell this, this and this.’