Does Latrell Mitchell deserve to be picked for State of Origin?

With Origin teams set to be named after this week’s round of games, there is one burning question for New South Wales: should Latrell Mitchell be picked?

The Blues are grappling with an injury crisis in the centres, with Tom Trbojevic, Bradman Best, and Kotoni Staggs all likely out of Origin 1 through injury.

When in form, Mitchell is almost an automatic selection for NSW. However, his inconsistent form to begin the season has split opinions on whether he should play centre.

The split opinions have extended to Morning Glory with Matty Johns, with the panel divided over the potential selection of the Rabbitohs’ fullback.

Journalist Andrew Webster told the show he didn’t believe Mitchell had played well enough to earn a spot in Michael Maguire’s team given the new coach has declared he’d select his team on form and culture.

“I just don’t think he deserves it this year and I don’t think he can be trusted to perform in it this year,” Webster said.

“Michael Maguire is talking about culture and not picking superstars, and people who earn the jersey and I just think that would be the wrong message about what he’s trying to do… I struggle with his form this year to pick him.”

Former NRL great Matty Johns, however, would pick Mitchell based on his past performances in the Origin cauldron.

“I think the timing (of selections) could not be better for Latrell… if Trell (Mitchell) goes out this weekend and, against Parramatta, has a stormer, which I anticipate he’s going to, I’d pick him,” Johns said.

“The day after the game… if it (player ratings) has Latrell Mitchell 8/10, I know we’ve won.

“Up until (last night) he was a certainty, I’d pick him purely on presence but the waters are murky now for me because I look at Matt Burton and what he did last night, but I just I love Latrell… just on what they know he’s going to do, they pick him.”

Mitchell has represented the Blues seven times for a 43 per cent win rate. He has scored six tries.

Maguire is expected to announce his game one squad on Sunday or Monday, after the conclusion of the final game of the round.