Meet the Sydney tradie who was given the job of helping NSW star Latrell Mitchell harden up for his State of Origin return
- Sydney tradie Semisi Kioa gave up a day’s wages to help NSW Blues
- Kioa plays for third tier St Marys in the Ron Massey Cup
- St Marys and NSW Blues had an opposing session on Thursday
As Latrell Mitchell prepares for his return to the Origin arena, an unassuming Sydney concreter was given the daunting task of helping the star NSW Blues center refine his game.
Semisi Kioa, who won an under-20s title with the Manly Sea Eagles in 2017 alongside Blues backrower Haumole Olakau’atu, sacrificed almost $1000 to train in a counter session at Blue Mountains Grammar School on Thursday.
Right center Kioa plays for St Marys in the third tier Ron Massey Cup and took the opportunity to test himself against Michael Maguire’s men.
“I had to take a day off to play against the Blues… it cost me a few dollars but it was worth it,” Kioa told the club. Sydney Morning Herald.
“I marked Latrell and it was tough, he’s a tough player, the way he plays with bastard.
As Latrell Mitchell prepares for his return to the Origin arena, Sydney concreter Semisi Kioa (right) was tasked with helping the star NSW Blues center refine his game
‘He gave me some tips and showed me how he plays. It was a good experience marking him. He has the right hand and I tried not to let that distract me.”
Lock Cameron Murray was impressed with Kioa, who also labeled Mitchell a ‘strong guy’ when chatting after training.
“It was exactly the kind of intensity we needed, so we’re very grateful that the St Marys boys turned up, and they were sharp,” the Rabbitohs skipper said.
“We got a lot out of it, and I’m sure they did too.”
Stephen Crichton’s older brother Christian also plays for St Marys but was unable to arrange a day off with Kennards Hire to test out his sibling with his boots on.
It comes as NRL great Cooper Cronk believes Mitchell’s work ethic could be the difference when it comes to NSW’s Origin hopes in game two.
“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 on the channel Matty Johns podcast.
‘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.
Semisi Kioa sacrificed almost $1000 to train in an opposition session at Blue Mountains Grammar School on Thursday (pictured, previously playing for Mounties in the NSW Cup)
NSW last won the Interstate Trophy in 2021, with Mitchell playing in all three matches
“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 as he gets tired and if there are tired moments, will he still be able to keep his gloves up?
Game two of the Origin series takes place on June 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
NSW last won the Interstate Trophy in 2021, with Mitchell playing in all three matches.