Latrell Mitchell shines in State of Origin audition as Souths put hapless Gold Coast Titans to the sword
- Rabbitohs turned on the flair in the 46-12 win
- Mitchell was the star in the huge win
- Comes after being rejected from Origin I
As Michael Maguire looks for a center to save NSW, Latrell Mitchell sent a message to the Blues coach that he deserves a State of Origin recall.
The South Sydney fullback was involved in everything as the Rabbitohs defeated Gold Coast 46-12 at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
The win marked the first time the Bunnies have recorded back-to-back wins this season and moves Souths off the bottom of the NRL ladder and above the rudderless Wests Tigers.
Mitchell had a major part in the victory, scoring a try, registering three try assists and scoring six goals from seven attempts.
The 26-year-old also took on extra kicking responsibility with ball in hand and his spiraling bombs caused endless problems for the Titans’ back three.
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, Mitchell made a compelling case for the Blues coach to pick up the phone.
Latrell Mitchell delivered a huge game for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they torched the Gold Coast Titans
Mitchell was overlooked for State of Origin I, but with Joseph Sua’ali’i suspended there’s a chance to bounce back
New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has many decisions to make after being thrashed in Origin I following Joseph Sua’ali’i’s early dismissal
The full-back made an immediate impact, backing Damien Cook’s trademark break from dummy half to put the Rabbitohs ahead after just eight minutes.
Cody Walker sent Jacob Gagai down the right flank to extend Souths’ lead, before Alofiana Khan-Pereira evaded Mitchell to respond for the Gold Coast.
Mitchell made amends with two try-saving tackles in quick succession, bringing down Khan-Pereira and hooker Chris Randall as the Titans tried to level.
But it was at the other end where Mitchell came into his own, delaying a pass for Richie Kennar to take control.
And to give Souths a 22-6 lead at half-time, Khan-Pereira dropped a Mitchell bomb which was scooped up by Walker.
Mitchell repeated the trick play in the 50th minute, but a bunker replay showed that Gagai had nudged the ball while competing in the air, denying Michael Chee Kam a try.
It made little difference when Souths ran straight through the middle of the Gold Coast shortly afterwards and prop Tom Burgess strolled across untouched.
Colleague Davy Moale bagged a try of his own before David Fifita ran over Walker to grab Gold Coast’s only try of the second half.
Bunnies five-eighth Jack Wighton, who had been reported for a tipping tackle, crossed late on before setting up Walker with an offload to end the rout.
