Latrell Mitchell might not be talking to journalists leading into the State of Origin series opener, but his South Sydney teammates are more than happy to talk him up, including former Maroons forward Jai Arrow, who hopes the Blues star plays well but not too well on Wednesday night.
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Mitchell will start at left centre at Suncorp Stadium and is likely to take on Maroons rookie Robert Toia, with the South Sydney fullback set to play just his second Origin match since the start of the 2022 season.
Injuries have kept him out in the past, but he’s ready to make up for lost time after starring in his lone appearance in last year’s series.
There are few players who dominate the headlines quite like Mitchell, with his long-range field goal against the Broncos a few weeks ago showing his willingness to step up in the big moments as well as his ability to nail the clutch plays.
“You know how he is, he’s the best player in the comp,” Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi said.
“I love playing alongside him and I’m sure he’ll give the Maroons some troubles.
“He’s different (in Origin). I’ve never had the chance to play alongside him in Origin, but he’s a big-time player who loves big games and big crowds.”
Arrow will be cheering on Mitchell as a Rabbitohs teammate, but there’ll be a part of him that hopes he doesn’t go too well given he played 12 games for Queensland.
“Origin is one of those things where you hate each other for three days of the year, but as a teammate, I’m glad that Latrell gets his opportunity to play again,” he said.
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“He’s a big-game player and I’m sure he’ll play well, but I hope he doesn’t play too well.
“He’s just fairly unstructured and he’s a guy who lives in the moment. If something needs to be done in a big moment, he grabs it with his two hands and takes it on.
“He’s not afraid to chance his arm, and that’s why he’s on the big bucks. When the big moment comes, he’s always the one who stands up. He loves those big plays.”
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Mitchell won’t be playing in the spine but that won’t stop him from dominating the contest, with the 27-year-old going to new heights when he plays for the Blues.
“He’s made for that arena and he’s made for the big moments,” Rabbitohs halfback Jamie Humphreys said.
“You look back at that Broncos game a few weeks ago and he was the guy who got us over the line.
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“I have no doubt he’ll have those intentions going into Origin.”
Mitchell is a chance to back up on Sunday against the Warriors, but the Rabbitohs will still be missing a few stars with Cody Walker (calf), Jack Wighton (calf) and Tyrone Munro (collarbone) at least another week away.
“I’m pretty sure Jack and Cody could be right for Canberra,” Arrow said, with the Rabbitohs taking on the Raiders in round 14.
“Ty Ty was running with us and training, but I think he’s probably coming back after those boys.”
