Why the Maroons would prefer to face the Blues without Latrell

Former NRL forward Justin Horo believes Billy Slater’s Queensland Maroons team would still prefer not to see Latrell Mitchell line up for the New South Wales Blues in State of Origin, despite the South Sydney’s stars struggles in 2024.

Mitchell returned from suspension to take on St George on Saturday, where the Rabbitohs lost 28-14 to remain at the bottom of the NRL ladder.

The former Sydney Rooster had some bright spots in his return, scoring two tries and recording one try assist, but also had some defensive lapses which costs South Sydney.

Despite his form this season and reports he preferred to focus on club football and not be picked for Origin, Horo said he would have him at left centre in his Blues side.

“Latrell was my left centre for NSW in the team that I picked, do I think he’s going to play, no I do not,” he said on SEN NRL Crunch Time.

When asked if the Maroons would like to see Mitchell, who has already played in seven Origins for New South Wales, Horo gave this reply.

“No, they would prefer a team without Latrell Mitchell,” he said.

He also said Mitchell playing in a strong Blues team, where they wouldn’t be as reliant on him as South Sydney are, would suit the Taree product and compared his stats from Saturday's game to the performance of Dylan Edwards.

“Player 1 (Dylan Edwards) had 80 minutes, 27 carries for 257 metres, 92 kick return metres, 82 post contact metres, zero line breaks, zero line break assists, zero try assists and zero tries," he said.

“Player 2 had 80 mins, 12 carries for 116m, 58 kick return metres, 37 post contact metres, 1 line break assist, 1 try assist and 2 tries. Also a couple of stinkers, particularly the Jack De Belin try at the end, it was at the end of the game but you’ve got to consider it.

“When you look at those stats… for the most part you’d think you’d be happy with Dylan Edwards.

“But if Latrell is going to give me that, even half… but he gives me a try and a try assist.”

SEN's Jimmy Smith urged Mitchell to call new Blues coach Michael Maguire if he wanted to play in this year’s series.

"I would suggest if Latrell wants to play Origin (that) he rings Michael Maguire now,” he said.

“Latrell if you’re listening ring him now… and say Madge ‘I’m in and I want to play for the Blues’.”

The Blues will host Game I of this year's State of Origin at Accor Stadium on June 5.