Suspended NSW Blues star Joseph Sua'ali'i backs Latrell Mitchell to shine in Origin return - 'he's a beast'

Suspended NSW Blues star Joseph Sua'ali'i has backed Latrell Mitchell to dominate in his return to the Origin arena, declaring 'he's a beast.'

Sua'ali'i, 20, won't feature again in the series after he was sent off after just seven minutes for a late hit on Queensland fullback Reece Walsh in game one.

Mitchell has been drafted in by coach Michael Maguire as a straight swap for Sua'ali'i - and the rugby bound star has no doubt the Rabbitohs x-factor will be a force at the MCG come June 26.

'I've always looked up to Latrell as a player growing up,' Sua'ali'i told Nine News.

'The things he does on the field - I don't know how he does it. 'He has earned his spot. 'He's been here before, he knows what to do.

'It will be very good to see him back in the Blue jersey. He's a beast.'

Sua'ali'i also revealed he hasn't been frozen out by Maguire following his four-game ban.  

In a bid to help save the Blues' Origin hopes, Maguire asked the Roosters centre to train with the new-look NSW team from their base at Leura in the Blue Mountains.

'Madge [Maguire] gave me the call to come back in and help the boys, and just be around the group,' Sua'ali'i said.

'It's still special to be here. Even just putting on the jumper, not even the actual jersey, but just the gear is still special.'

Game two of the Origin series is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 26.

NSW last lifted the interstate trophy in 2021 and need a win to keep the series alive.