‘If Latrell's fit ...': Daley gives big clue about Mitchell's Blues return
NSW coach Laurie Daley has given his strongest indication yet that Latrell Mitchell is on track to return to the Origin arena, declaring: 'If Latrell is fit, he's going to be hard to leave out.'
Mitchell was the star for South Sydney on Friday night when he nailed a 49-metre two-point field goal against the Broncos, scored a try and came up with two stunning try-saving tackles, on Broncos giant Payne Haas and flyer Deine Mariner.
Souths and former Queensland coach Wayne Bennett was bemused by suggestions Mitchell was not a certainty to play for the Blues, saying: 'I can tell you everyone in Queensland will be happy if he doesn't play for NSW.'
Mitchell is a front-runner for the left centre spot when the Origin series kicks off at Suncorp Stadium on May 28. Canterbury's Stephen Crichton looms as the favourite for right centre, but Daley also has Manly's Tom Trbojevic and Newcastle's Bradman Best as options.
'Watching Friday night, you just know Latrell is built for moments, and when big moments roll around, he wants the ball in his hands,' Daley said on Saturday.
'That's the style of player he is. He'll always be that bloke who wants to take the shot, or own the moment. That's what makes him so good.
'You could tell from his first carry against the Broncos that he was up for a game. He was great. That's exactly what you want from $1 million players. They win you games – that's why they're paid good money.'
Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh made a cameo at South Sydney training on Tuesday after being invited by Bennett, and said that while most of his time was spent catching up with the coach, it was easy to see what kind of impact Mitchell had on the playing group. Waugh was a Wests Magpies fan, then followed Canterbury, and has since befriended Bennett and Broncos coach Michael Maguire.
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