NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has played down reports of a feud with Latrell Mitchell.
Reports circulated ahead of the series-opener that Mitchell had been overlooked for selection due to a falling out with the new Blues coach.
Mitchell then further fuelled the rumours when he posted a cryptic selfie to his Instagram story late in the match.
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But after a two-year absence from the Origin arena, Mitchell has been recalled to the centres after Joseph Suaalii was rubbed out for his game one hit on Reece Walsh.
“I’ve known Latrell a long time, I guess there are storylines, but I really enjoy his company,” Maguire said on Monday morning.
“He’s good, he’s in a good place and as a player, he wears his heart on his sleeve a little bit.
“(South Sydney) have been through a little bit, but they’re in a good place and that’s showing in the team. He’s doing well and he’s now got his opportunity.”
Mitchell has starred for the Rabbitohs in the two outings since game one. He’s scored a try in each, and has been instrumental in setting up several others.
“Latrell is playing great footy, I think everyone can see that. We don’t need to dig into that, it’s more around himself,” he said.
“He’s got a smile on his face, I went and watched him play, he’s got a lot of spirit about what he’s doing, and that’s resonating in his footy.
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“We all know he’s a talented world-class player … especially over the last month he was growing towards what we know Latrell can do.
“Getting Latrell back in, I’m sure the boys will feel the confidence around that, but also too he knows he’s just got to play his part in the team.”
Mitchell got the opportunity to make a final pitch to Maguire at the Rabbitohs’ 10-year premiership anniversary function on Saturday afternoon, which was attended by all current Rabbitohs players.
“We had a really good conversation. I’ll keep those to myself, but he’s in a really good frame of mind,” Maguire said when quizzed on that catch-up.
“We all know when any player is in that frame of mind, they’re going to come into camp and add to what we’re doing.”