- Rabbitohs showed their style in 46-12 victory
- Mitchell was the star of the big victory
- Arrives after being snubbed by Origin I
As Michael Maguire searches for a cross to save NSW, Latrell Mitchell sent a message to the Blues coach that he deserves a State of Origin withdrawal.
The South Sydney defender was in everything as the Rabbitohs defeated Gold Coast 46-12 at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
The victory marked the first time the Bunnies have recorded back-to-back victories this season and moves the Souths from the bottom of the NRL ladder and above the rudderless Wests Tigers.
Mitchell was a big part of the victory, scoring a try, recording three try assists and kicking six goals in seven tries.
The 26-year-old also took on additional responsibility by kicking with the ball in hand and his spiral bombs caused countless problems for the Titans’ back three.
Mitchell has not played for Origin since 2021 due to injury and was left out of Maguire’s game in a team after an indifferent start to the 2024 campaign.
But as Maguire searches for a replacement for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to save the series for New South Wales in Melbourne on June 26, Mitchell made a compelling case for the Blues coach to answer the phone.
Latrell Mitchell produced a big game for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they torched the Gold Coast Titans.
Mitchell was overlooked for State of Origin I, but with Joseph Sua’ali’i suspended there is an opportunity to return to the force.
New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has a lot of decisions to make after being thrashed in Origin I following the early sending off of Joseph Sua’ali’i.
The full-back made an instant impact by backing up a trademark Damien Cook break from dummy half to give the Rabbitohs the lead after just eight minutes.
Cody Walker sent Jacob Gagai down the right flank to extend Souths’ lead, before Alofiana Khan-Pereira evaded Mitchell to reply for Gold Coast.
Mitchell made amends with two try-saving tackles in quick succession, bringing down Khan-Pereira and hooker Chris Randall as the Titans tried to equalise.
But it was at the other end where Mitchell excelled, holding up a pass for Richie Kennar to beat.
And to give Souths a 22-6 lead at halftime, Khan-Pereira launched a Mitchell bomb that was collected by Walker.
Mitchell repeated the trick play in the 50th minute, but a bunker replay showed Gagai had hit the ball while competing in the air, denying Michael Chee Kam a try.
It mattered little soon after as Souths ran straight through the Gold Coast center and prop Tom Burgess came close unscathed.
Fellow support Davy Moale walked his own try, before David Fifita stepped over Walker for Gold Coast’s only try of the second half.
Bunnies five-eighth Jack Wighton, who was reported for a slanted tackle, crossed late before setting up Walker with a volley to end the rout.