NRL legend Andrew Johns says Latrell Mitchell is a 'must pick' for Origin II: 'There's no ifs or buts'

NRL great Andrew Johns says Latrell Mitchell is a 'must pick' for Origin II in Melbourne if the Blues want to win, insisting that 'there's no ifs or buts' about it.

The South Sydney fullback was in everything as the Rabbitohs hammered the Gold Coast 46-12 at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

The victory marked the first time the Bunnies had clinched back-to-back wins this season and moves Souths off the bottom of the NRL ladder and above the rudderless Wests Tigers.

Mitchell was a huge part of the win, scoring a try, registering three try assists and kicking six goals from seven attempts.

The 26-year-old also took on extra kicking responsibility with the ball in hand and his spiralling bombs caused endless problems for the Titans' back three.

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.

'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.

Mitchell has previously said that he 'bleeds blue' despite not being picked in the squad, and many footy fans are also now calling for him to be brought back into the fold for Game 2.

'Put Latrell Mitchell back on the NSW roster ASAP,' posted one fan on X. 

'As a QLDer Latrell is probs the most intimidating nsw player they could pick, happy he wasn't selected for game one, hope they don't pick him game 2,' replied another.

'Always thought he should have been in the team. I don't care how his club footy is going, that man is made for Origin,' posted another.

'Going to bed disappointed again as a Blues supporter. Cleary, Moses just the start if fit. Could be the perfect opportunity for Latrell to renter origin in the centres,' posted another.