Rugby league legend Andrew Johns has declared that Latrell Mitchell is a 'must pick' for New South Wales in State of Origin II, following the South Sydney fullback's standout performance in the Rabbitohs' 46-12 thrashing of the Gold Coast Titans.
Mitchell scored a try, registered three try assists, and kicked six goals from seven attempts, while his spiralling bombs caused constant problems for the Titans' back three. The victory lifted Souths off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
'Latrell just has to come in – there's no ifs or buts,' Johns said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show. 'There's rumours floating around that something happened pre-camp that he didn't talk to Madge or didn't turn up or something, who cares, just get him in there.'
Mitchell has not played Origin since 2021 due to injury and was omitted from coach Michael Maguire's Game One squad after a slow start to the 2024 season. However, Johns believes his recent form makes him indispensable for the Blues.
Fans have also voiced support for Mitchell's return, with one posting on X: 'Put Latrell Mitchell back on the NSW roster ASAP.' Another Queensland supporter admitted: 'As a QLDer Latrell is probs the most intimidating nsw player they could pick.'
