Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell has reportedly informed those close to him he’s made himself available for Origin selection.
The news comes as The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has revealed NSW selectors will announce their squad for the series opener on Sunday night.
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Initial reports regarding Mitchell’s availability suggested he would take his name out of the hat to be picked for the series opener, but he has now reportedly made it clear he wants to play for his state.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Mitchell will have to contend with several stars to win the vacant centre spot.
Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has been widely tipped to be Maguire’s first choice centre, while Matt Burton, Jesse Ramien and Zac Lomax are also in contention.
Meanwhile, Bradman Best suffered a hamstring injury but was another leading contender to play his second game for NSW.
Since returning from suspension, Mitchell has been one of the Rabbitohs best players despite the club failing to win a game.
Rugby league legend Matty Johns, speaking on SEN, believes Maguire will have no choice but to pick Mitchell after Round 12.
“I think the timing (of selections) could not be better for Latrell… if Trell (Mitchell) goes out this weekend and, against Parramatta, has a stormer, which I anticipate he’s going to, I’d pick him,” Johns said.
“The day after the game… if it (player ratings) has Latrell Mitchell 8/10, I know we’ve won.
“Up until (last night) he was a certainty, I’d pick him purely on presence but the waters are murky now for me because I look at Matt Burton and what he did last night, but I just I love Latrell… just on what they know he’s going to do, they pick him.”
Source Agencies
