Latrell Mitchell is left stunned by amazing act from 90,000 fans at the MCG after starring in huge NSW State of Origin win
- Star was under a lot of pressure to perform in the run-up
- Sidelined despite patchy form for Souths
- Played a key role in the great win for the Blues
Blues star Latrell Mitchell was momentarily lost as he received a huge cheer from the crowd at a packed MCG just after NSW defeated Queensland in the State of Origin match on Wednesday night.
The often controversial Souths fullback was under immense pressure to perform after being selected despite his patchy form and discipline issues for the Bunnies this year, but came through in a big way with a great display for his state.
In the build-up to the match, Mitchell said many football fans hate him despite not knowing who he really is – but he got nothing but love from the 90,084 fans in Melbourne.
The 27-year-old was being interviewed after full-time by Blues leading Channel Nine commentator Paul Gallen as the crowd reacted to seeing him on the big screen on the ground.
Asked about the excellent NSW defense, Mitchell said: “We’ve been committed to defending there and showing a blue wall, and it’s been really nice to see the week go.”
He then broke into a smile and had to pause for a moment when he was almost drowned out by the roar of the crowd, causing him to say, “How good is that!”
“I don’t make it about me; it’s about the people who showed up today, it’s about everyone here in blue jerseys and blue shirts.”
Mitchell was one of several standouts for the Blues during their 38-18 win, which gave them a record 34-0 lead at halftime.
Football fans haven’t always been kind to Mitchell, but 90,000 of them showed him nothing but love when he did a post-match interview with football great Paul Gallen (right) on Wednesday
He scored a try, set up Brian To’o’s four-pointer with a sublime pass and pounded the Maroons’ defense all evening, especially when he picked up and beat superstar Queensland fullback Reece Walsh.
However, he was also listed for a sloppy high tackle on winger Xavier Coates, who he hit high as he brought a ball into the field.
There were fears he would receive a ban for the shot, but the NRL decided it was only worth fining him seven percent of his wages for the match.
Mitchell was overlooked for game one by coach Michael Maguire due to his poor form for Souths, and it was rumored that ‘Madge’ did not think he was committed enough to play for the Blues.
The Souths fullback is pictured soaking up the atmosphere at the MCG after playing a huge role in the Blues’ demolition of Queensland
Mitchell scored one try (pictured) and set up another with a special flick pass
He cheekily reminded Maguire that he was excited for a game by posting a photo of himself sitting next to the coach at Souths’ 2014 reunion two weeks ago, with the caption: ‘Are we going?’
“If Madge (Maguire) wants me, I’m in. I’m willing to go to Melbourne and give it to some Queenslanders,” Mitchell said.
“There was a lot of doubt in NSW because I was never taken care of. I have been the scapegoat. I don’t want to enter this camp as a scapegoat if they lose.
“I want to go to camp and feel comfortable in my own skin, bond and get ready to play for the people I want to play for. Don’t go in and be the scapegoat for the media to say, ‘Latrell this, this and this.’