Returning superstar Latrell Mitchell has endorsed State of Origin rookie Matt Burton to stay in the New South Wales side – but he’ll have to move position.
Burton enjoyed a sensational Blues debut in Perth on Sunday night, scoring a great try and undoubtedly being one of the best players on the field in a 44-12 win for the southern state.
He wore the No.3 jersey that would have been Mitchell’s if not for a serious hamstring injury in April which has kept the South Sydney fullback sidelined since.
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Mitchell will finally return to action this weekend when the Rabbitohs take on Parramatta in round 16 of the NRL.
If her performs well and stays fit, it’s widely tipped he will be recalled to Brad Fittler’s squad for the Origin decider in Brisbane on July 13.
That will provide a significant headache for the Blues coach, who also has Jack Wighton returning from COVID-19. Wighton replaced Mitchell at left centre in game one, and was one of NSW’s best performers.
On an Instagram post on Monday discussing this quandary, Mitchell left a comment saying, “Burton can have the No.4 (jersey)”.
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The insinuation is Mitchell plans to reclaim his No.3 spot at left centre, thus creating a shootout between Burton and Stephen Crichton for the right centre spot.
The Origin coach enjoyed being told about Mitchell’s comment.
“Is Trell a selector now?” Fittler laughed.
“He’s a very talented bloke, Latrell. I look forward to watching him this week.”
Fittler has some big decisions to make in the coming week, and centre is where most of his questions lie.
Burton made himself undroppable with his Origin II performance, while Wighton has never let the Blues down in his six games starting at centre in the interstate arena.
But Mitchell is without a doubt the most destructive game-winner available at the Blues’ disposal, and Fittler would be a brave man not to bring the enigmatic champion into his favoured position for game three.
The most likely scenario, currently, is Stephen Crichton will lose his spot at right centre after two fairly lacklustre outings for the Blues.
Then Mitchell would get his wish of him retaking the No.3 jersey and Burton moving to the other side of the field.
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