NSW star Latrell Mitchell faced the hostile noise of the MCG crowd in his return to the Origin arena on Wednesday night as he soaked up the Blues’ game two success.
Mitchell, who returned in the NSW jersey for the first time since 2021, produced a strong performance in a bid to repay the faith of Michael Maguire after being overlooked for the series opener.
The South Sydney fullback stunned in the do-or-die game two clash, recording one try assist before grounding NSW‘s fifth in the 32nd minute.
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But his star turn was soured by a frosty reception during his post-match interview as fans launched into the 27-year-old.
“How good’s that?” he laughed as boos echoed across the stadium.
“We dedicated ourselves to defending (tonight) and showing a blue wall.
“It was really enjoyable to see how it all panned out.”
Mitchell flew under the radar in the build-up to game two, with all eyes focused on the bitter rivalry between head coaches Billy Slater and Maguire.
However, Mitchell refused to allow the game two narrative to be spun in his favour, declaring to Nine’s Paul Gallen; “I’m honestly not making it about myself.
“It’s about the people who showed up today. It’s about everyone here in blue jerseys and shirts. Our families showing up, New South Wales showing up.
“It is a neutral ground for us to come to, but we have a job to do and there’s another (game) to go.
“I’m very proud of the boys, our week was very special and it was very good to come into camp – I loved it.”
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Mitchell said he is ready and confident to take on the challenge of the series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m optimistic (for game three),” said Mitchell.
“If we keep showing up and we keep working on what we’re working on.
“We have a couple of weeks to go to prepare for that. We will talk when we get to camp.”