- Andrew Johns says Latrell Mitchell should be selected for Origin
- NRL legend says Rabbitohs star is a ‘must pick’ for next game
- Mitchell was rejected for Origin I and has been playing well
NRL great Andrew Johns says Latrell Mitchell is a “must pick” for Origin II in Melbourne if the Blues are to win, insisting there are “no ifs ands or buts” about it.
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.
NRL great Andrew Johns says Latrell Mitchell (pictured) should be selected for Origin II
Johns said Latrell Mitchell should make the team and there is no question about it.
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.
“Latrell just has to come in, there’s no ifs ands or buts,” Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“There are rumors that something happened before camp and he didn’t talk to Madge or show up or something, who cares, just get him there.”
Johns was as impressed as everyone else by Mitchell’s performance against Gold Coast.
“It destroyed them yesterday; it just has to be there,” Johns said.
Mitchell has previously said that he “bleeds blue” despite not being picked in the team, and many football fans are now also calling for him to return to the fold for Game 2.
“Put Latrell Mitchell back on the NSW roster ASAP,” one fan posted on X.
“As a QLDer Latrell is probably the most intimidating NSW player they could have picked, happy he wasn’t picked for the first game, hope he doesn’t get picked for the second game,” another replied.
The Rabbitohs superstar has performed well for Souths of late
‘I always thought I should have been in the team. “I don’t care how he does in club football, that man is made for Origin,” posted another.
‘Going to bed disappointed again as a Blues fan. Clearly, Moisés is just the beginning if he is fit. It could be the perfect opportunity for Latrell to rent origin in the centers,” posted another.