Cameron Smith's telling response to Latrell Mitchell Origin call
Former Queensland captain Cameron Smith says the Maroons would be 'breathing a sigh of relief' that they don't have to face Latrell Mitchell in the State of Origin decider.
Mitchell was one of NSW's best players in the Blues' series triumph in 2021, but missed the first two games this year due to a hamstring injury.
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The South Sydney star made a successful return at NRL level last weekend, sparking questions about whether NSW coach Brad Fittler would rush him straight back into the Origin fold.
But Mitchell took the selfless approach and ruled himself out of contention, announcing that he wouldn't be available for selection for Game III.
Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton subsequently retained their places in the centres for the Blues, while Game I star Jack Wighton is 18th man.
Discussing Mitchell's decision on Tuesday, Smith said Queensland would be relieved after the Rabbitohs star terrorised the Maroons in 2021.
“I must say, from a Queensland point of view I think every Queenslander breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that,” Smith told SEN radio.
“Just his ability to break games wide open is that X-factor but at the same time would you change the line-up that NSW took into Game II? That line-up played so well.”
Smith also commended Mitchell for his 'mature' decision.
“I thought he was fantastic, he’s obviously put a lot of work into his body to get himself right,” Smith added.
“Round 5 was his last match, it’s been quite some time but he looked great.
“I must say, I wasn’t overly surprised by his decision to make himself unavailable given he’s played so little football.
“That’s quite a mature decision by Latrell. There’s not too many guys in his position that’d do that and pass up the opportunity to play State of Origin.”
Latrell Mitchell wins praise for selfless Origin call
Mitchell said he wanted to focus on getting his body back to 100 per cent for South Sydney.
"I think I'm going to shut those headlines down now, I'm going to pull myself out (of Origin) and worry about Souths and focus on myself," he told Fox Sports after the Rabbitohs' win over Parramatta.
"They've got a real good team there, NSW, and good luck to them and Burton in the centres.
"Give Crichton a go too. I really want to focus on South Sydney and getting myself right for the backend of the season."
NSW legend Andrew Johns was also full of praise after Mitchell's decision.
"Selfless, it's great stuff from Latrell," Johns told the Network Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"You could see he's supporting the Blues, supporting Burton and Crichton.
"I think it's a really selfless decision and it was really mature of him.
"There would have been a lot of pressure today on not only Brad Fittler, but people within the team, about Latrell, whether he was going to be picked or not."
Mitchell also earned praise from his South Sydney teammates for putting the club first after more than two months on the sidelines.
NSW hooker Damien Cook is aware of Mitchell's unique talents but understood the fullback's decision to withdraw from Origin III.
"I'm really proud of him," said Cook. "All the work he's done the last 12 weeks to get himself right and now to put South Sydney first, it's great work from him."
"It makes Freddy's decision a lot easier I'm sure. (Burton and Crichton) did a great job in the last game."
with AAP
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