After a two-year exile, South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell is set to return to the State of Origin arena, having been recalled by Blues coach Michael Maguire for Game Two in Melbourne.
With NSW staring down the barrel of a third series defeat in a row should they lose in Melbourne, Maguire is calling on Mitchell, who something of an Origin specialist with an x-factor to turn a game on its head.
It marks a stark change in fortunes and attitudes for both Mitchell and Maguire, with the Rabbitohs fullback a notable omission from the squad for Game One despite being fit.
The Sporting News analyses Maguire's reasoning for bringing Mitchell back into the fold, and what it could mean for NSW.
MORE: NSW and QLD team lists for State of Origin Game II
Why was Latrell Mitchell picked for State of Origin?
One of the reason's Mitchell wasn't selected in Game One was due to Maguire's belief the South Sydney player wasn't in the right headspace, something which he believes is not an issue now.
"He's got a smile on his face, I went out and watched him play, and he's got a lot of spirit about what he's doing at the moment, and I think that resonates with his footy," Maguire told media on Monday.
"He's in a really good frame of mind."
His form in the last few weeks since Game One was also a factor, with Mitchell putting in starring performances in victories over the Titans and the Broncos in recent weeks; he scored a try and got three assists over the Titans, and backed it up with a try and a try assist over Brisbane last week.
"We all know he's a very talented world class player, and he's showing that and especially in the last month," Maguire said.
"I think that's probably the piece I saw, especially over the last month, he was growing towards what we know Latrell can do. So getting Latrell back in, I'm sure the boys will feel that confidence."
Mitchell was sin-binned against Brisbane for his role in a melee with Jordan Riki, but Maguire was unconcerned by the incident.
"As a player he's one of those ones that wears [his heart] on his sleeve; he's been through a little bit, but now [he's] in a pretty good place."
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Latrell Mitchell State of Origin career
Another reason Mitchell has been picked is how well he has performed in the cauldron of Origin in the past, especially when playing at centre where he has been picked for Game Two.
Mitchell has played seven times for NSW between 2018-2021, being involved in series victories in all three years he has appeared.
He scored a try on debut in 2018, and backed it up with a try in the following game as NSW secured a series victory.
He only played once in 2019, his series overshadowed by a sin bin in Game One, but he came back in 2021 with a vengeance.
He was one of the top players in a 50-6 demolition in Game One - scoring two tries and kicking a goal, and the following game he scored a brilliant try by intercepting a pass and running the length of the field to score.
He rounded off the series scoring a try and kicking three goals in Game Three, which remains his last Origin appearance.
How has Latrell Mitchell played this season?
Mitchell's return to the Origin side shows just how well he has performed in recent weeks, given he was coming under increasing criticism earlier in the season for his performances at club level.
Souths endured a horror start to the season, winning just one of their first 10 games - leading to the sacking of coach Jason Demetriou - and leaving them anchored at the bottom of the ladder.
Mitchell was criticised for his defensive performances at fullback, and was sin-binned and later banned for elbowing New Zealand's Shaun Johnson during a Round 5 defeat.
After that incident, he was criticised by Blues legend Greg Alexander, who told Fox Footy "I really don’t know what goes through Latrell’s mind sometimes".
So far in 2024, Mitchell has seven tries and 12 try assists, as well as kicking 29 goals at a conversion rate of 72.5%
NSW Squad for Game II
Mitchell is one of five changes made by Maguire in the must-win battle at the MCG, with Mitch Moses, Dylan Edwards, Cam Murray and Connor Watson all coming into the side.
Whilst NSW are facing a must win game, their recent record in Melbourne is strong, having won their last two clashes at the MCG.
NSW confirmed squad for Game II
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron Murray
14. Connor Watson
15. Isaah Yeo
16. Haumole Olakau’atu
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Mitchell Barnett
19. Cameron McInnes
20. Luke Keary