NRL great Willie Mason backs Latrell Mitchell for NSW Blues selection ahead of Origin two: ‘he just scares the hell out of teams’

NRL great Willie Mason is pushing for Latrell Mitchell to receive an Origin recall, labeling the Rabbitohs star the “best left centre-back in the world”.

Mitchell, 26, was overlooked by NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire for the series opener in Sydney, but with Joseph Sua’ali’i suspended, he is emerging as the logical replacement.

“It just scares the hell out of teams,” Mason, who played 19 games for NSW, told co-host Gorden Tallis on NRL 360.

‘He has that X factor. I know they didn’t consider him for the first game with what was happening off the field.

‘The newspapers (media) were controlling this narrative saying it is a bad influence. I don’t think that’s a fact.

“I think he’s really shown it in the last few weeks and I think he’ll show it again this week (against Brisbane).

“I still think he’s the best left centre-back in the world. He just has that attack and that presence and he’s the only one that scares Queensland.”

Former New South Wales star Mitchell Pearce agreed with Mason, pointing out Mitchell’s intimidation factor.

“When he’s on, he plays very well. In Origin, it’s proven,” he said.

‘He’s intimidating, he’s big, he’s strong. I think we need it.’

Mitchell last played for the Blues in 2021, and injuries ruled him out in 2022 and 2023.

Despite South Sydney’s struggles this season, Mitchell has excelled in recent weeks.

They defeated the Gold Coast Titans last time out, finishing with a try, three try assists and four line-break assists in a convincing 46-12 victory.

On Friday night, Mitchell’s Rabbitohs take on the Broncos at Accor Stadium in another opportunity for the polarizing star to showcase his talents for Blues coach Michael Maguire.

Cameron Murray has been named on the South Sydney bench as the worker returns from a hip flexor injury.