How Latrell Mitchell will be given the chance to charm NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire twice ahead of selection for Origin game two

Latrell Mitchell will get the chance to impress Michael Maguire when Souths take on the Broncos on Friday night – then will come face to face with the Blues coach on Saturday afternoon.

Mitchell hasn't played Origin since 2021 because of injury and was left out of Maguire's game one squad after an indifferent start to the 2024 campaign.

But as Maguire searches for a replacement for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to save the series for NSW in Melbourne on June 26, the Rabbitohs fullback has made a compelling case for the Blues coach to pick up the phone.

Mitchell has been playing well and was in everything as the Bunnies hammered the Gold Coast 46-12 at Cbus Super Stadium last week.

He will have another chance to impress the NSW coach when Souths take on the Broncos on Friday night before the pair spend Saturday together at South's 10-year premiership reunion, which will be held at Souths Juniors. 

Maguire coached Souths to their title in 2014, and has confirmed that he will attend the reunion on the weekend.

NRL great Andrew Johns says Mitchell is a 'must pick' for Origin II in Melbourne if the Blues want to win.

'Latrell just has to come in – there's no ifs or buts,' Johns said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

'There's rumours floating around that something happened pre-camp that he didn't talk to Madge or didn't turn up or something, who cares, just get him in there.'

Johns was as impressed as everyone else about his Mitchell's performance against the Gold Coast.

'He destroyed them yesterday – he's just got to be there,' Johns said.

Souths star Tom Burgess has also urged Blues coach Michael Maguire to select Mitchell for the Blues.

'I'd have him in there if I was the coach. I think he's dangerous. If you're a Queenslander, you'd rather him out of the side than in the side,' Burgess said.

'He's one of those athletes that's big and fast and strong, but he can also throw a 30m ball and he's getting his kicking game there as well. He thinks he's Dusty Martin. It's another string to the bow for him and we're better with him in the side.

'I don't think he's too worried about that (proving a point) right now. He's focused on the red and green. He's passionate about the Blues and wants them to do well. If he's needed there then I'm sure he'd be in the conversation.'