‘Pick me Madge!’ Latrell Mitchell makes irresistible case for NSW Origin recall as Rabbitohs outclass Broncos

Latrell Mitchell has made a compelling case for a NSW State of Origin recall, starring as South Sydney made it three straight NRL wins after an impressive 22-12 defeat to Brisbane.

Just days before Michael Maguire named his Blues side for Origin II, Mitchell was in everything – from the try scorers list to the sin-bin – as the Rabbitohs dominated at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

The result also made it three straight defeats for Brisbane, who will now finish the round outside the top eight after falling behind 22-0 early in the second half.

On a historic night for the Rabbitohs, winger Alex Johnston became second on the all-time rugby league try-scorers list as he passed Billy Slater with his 191st career four-pointer.

Damien Cook also got an early try as he fights for his future at the club, while Cody Walker was good at center back to keep the Rabbitohs’ faint finals hopes alive.

Just days before Blues coach Michael Maguire (pictured) named his side for Origin II, Latrell Mitchell was involved in everything

But the key man was Mitchell – who will face Maguire at a Rabbitohs 2014 premiership reunion on Saturday – after making his case to replace the suspended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for NSW.

Mitchell’s first big impact came when he broke from his own end 80 yards further upfield early in the match, before being denied just short of the line by Jordan Riki.

After Cook and Keaon Koloamatangi had a try each, Mitchell had one of his own as he powered through NSW center Jock Madden and hopeful Kotoni Staggs to make it 18-0.

And when the Rabbitohs were reduced to 12 men before half-time after Richie Kennar was convicted for a high shot, it was Mitchell who denied the Broncos with a one-on-one strip.

Mitchell then provided the final pass for Johnston’s milestone try after the break, with a sharp cut ball hitting the winger on the chest and securing him an easy passage to the line.

The 26-year-old was spotted with ice on his ribs after the match, but the Rabbitohs played down any concerns.

‘Latrell is ready to go (for Origin). He’s a good player, he’s ready,” interim coach Ben Hornby said.

Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby declared Latrell Mitchell ready for a NSW recall ahead of Game Two in Melbourne

Latrell Mitchell last played at Origin for NSW in 2021 (pictured, scoring a try against the Broncos)

“I liked all his effort. He’s been doing that for a few weeks now.

‘He was great for us. “I found his case for (NSW selection) compelling three weeks ago.”

The only thing that could stop the full-back on Friday evening was the sin-bin, after he ran in and escalated a melee following Riki’s ferocious strike on Cameron Murray off the ball.

Murray otherwise made it through his return match unscathed from a hip injury, also boosting his chances of regaining his NSW jersey.

Mitchell has not played for NSW since he was arguably their best player in the 2021 series triumph, with injuries derailing his hopes in the two seasons since.

But he is seen by many Queenslanders as the man they hope the Blues don’t choose.