How Latrell Mitchell will be given the chance to charm NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire twice ahead of selection for Origin game two

Latrell Mitchell will get the chance to impress Michael Maguire when Souths take on the Broncos on Friday evening before coming face to face with the Blues coach on Saturday afternoon.

Mitchell has not played Origin since 2021 due to injury and was left out of Maguire’s Game One squad after an indifferent start to the 2024 season.

But as Maguire looks for a replacement for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to save the series for NSW in Melbourne on June 26, the Rabbitohs full-back has made a compelling case for the Blues coach to pick up the phone.

Mitchell played well and was involved in everything as the Bunnies defeated Gold Coast 46-12 at Cbus Super Stadium last week.

Latrell Mitchell (pictured) will get a chance to impress NSW coach Michael Maguire when Souths take on the Broncos on Friday night

Mitchell will also see Maguire (pictured) face to face at the Souths reunion on Saturday

He will get another chance to impress the NSW coach when Souths take on the Broncos on Friday night before the pair spend Saturday together at South’s 10-year premiership reunion, which will be held at Souths Juniors.

Maguire coached Souths to their title in 2014 and has confirmed he will attend the reunion this weekend.

NRL great Andrew Johns says Mitchell is a ‘must pick’ for Origin II in Melbourne if the Blues are to win.

“Latrell just needs to come in – there are no ifs or buts,” Johns said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“There’s rumors going around that something happened before camp and he didn’t talk to Madge or show up or anything. Who cares, just get him in there.”

Johns was as impressed as everyone else with Mitchell’s performance against the Gold Coast.

“He destroyed them yesterday, he just has to be there,” Johns said.

Souths star Tom Burgess has also urged Blues coach Michael Maguire to select Mitchell for the Blues.

Mitchell has not played at Origin since 2021, but many are calling for him to be selected

“I would have him there if I was the coach. I think he’s dangerous. If you’re a Queenslander you’d rather have it outside than in the side,” Burgess said.

“He’s one of those athletes who’s big, fast and strong, but he can also throw a ball 30 yards and that’s where he gets his kicking game too. He thinks he’s Dusty Martin. It’s an extra boost for him and we’re better with him on the side.

“I don’t think he’s too worried about that right now (which proves a point). He is focused on red and green. He is passionate about the Blues and wants them to do well. If he’s needed there, I’m sure he’ll be on the call.”