This post was originally published on this site
Mitchell’s imposing frame, ball-playing nous, powerful running threat and giant personality have given the Blues a boost ahead of the MCG clash
In front of what is set to be rugby league’s biggest crowd in at least six years, and with a State of Origin series on the line, the lights could not be any brighter. One name has dominated discussion in the lead-up to Wednesday’s game two in Melbourne, one rugby league’s higher powers clearly felt the game’s grandest stage could not do without.
The much-adored – and maligned – Latrell Mitchell, Souths fullback and Indigenous All Stars captain, has been recalled to the Origin cauldron for the first time since 2021 as a replacement for NSW centre Joseph Sua’ali’i. Mitchell was overlooked by new coach Michael Maguire for the first game, and missed the series in the previous two years due to injury. He will return to the centre position from where he helped the Blues win the shield in 2018, 2019 and 2021.