NRL great Cooper Cronk has doubts about whether Latrell Mitchell will be a team player for NSW Blues in State of Origin – here’s why
- Cooper Cronk has wondered if Latrell Mitchell will put the team first
- Rabbitoh’s star recalled playing for NSW Blues in game two
- Queensland is chasing their third win in a row
NRL has gone great Fox Sports analyst Cooper Cronk believes Latrell Mitchell’s work ethic could be the difference when it comes to NSW’s Origin hopes in game two.
Cronk, 40, won two premierships with Mitchell at the Roosters and knows the center can be a match-winner when he shoots.
But the Maroons legend – who played 22 games for his state – questioned how well Mitchell will play under fatigue.
It will also be Mitchell’s first game in the Origin arena since 2021.
Speaking about the Matty Johns podcastCronk felt that Mitchell’s attitude could sometimes be questioned.
NRL great Cooper Cronk believes Latrell Mitchell’s work ethic could be the difference when it comes to NSW’s Origin hopes in game two at the MCG
Game two of the series on June 26 will also be Mitchell’s first game at the Origin Arena since 2021
Cronk pointed to the fielding combination of Jarome Luai (pictured left) and Mitchell as an area Queensland must contain
“It’s really up to Latrell. If he wants to be involved, he can be the best player on the field. “If he doesn’t want to be involved, it’s very difficult to get him involved,” he said.
‘For example, you say ‘turn this game on’ and he says ‘no’, but when he wants the ball he says ‘just give me the ball’. It really depends on the mood he’s in.
“If he goes after the game like he has done [for the Rabbitohs] He’s been really good the last few weeks, so I don’t think motivation will be the problem for Latrell.
“I think it will be a fact if he gets tired and if there are tired moments, will he still be able to keep his gloves up?
Cronk then acknowledged Mitchell’s x-factor and the fact that he is a big time player.
“I understand why they picked him. “I don’t know why they picked him in Game 2 when they didn’t pick him in Game 1,” he said.
‘He is an absolute star and he can literally win you the game with one touch. In the 2019 Grand Final [for the Roosters] he did just that.”
Game two takes place on June 26 in Melbourne, with Michael Maguire’s Blues needing a win to keep the Origin series alive.
NSW last lifted the interstate shield in 2021.