TAREE'S Latrell Mitchell produced his best game for NSW, starring as the Blues embarrassed Queensland by a record 50-6 scoreline in the opening game of the State of Origin rugby league series at Townsville this week.
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Mitchell, recalled to Blues side for the first time since the opening game in 2019, scored two tries and was a dominant figure in the game along with co-centre Tom Trebojevic, who was named player of the match.
Mitchell and Trebojevic monstered Queensland all night, with Trebojevic, who scored three tries.
Mitchell, then playing for the Sydney Roosters, was axed after NSW'S loss in the first game in 2019. NSW went onto win the last two matches.
The South Sydney fullback missed the 2020 series won by Queensland with a hamstring injury. He had played one game back from a four match suspension this year before the opening encounter in Townsville.
"He's been good, without a doubt, and his last game when they (Souths) played against Parramatta, he was good," NSW coach Brad Fittler told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Latrell's run early in the game when he went up the sideline, it was a big moment. And his tackle when he came in as well (on Valentine Holmes), they were a couple of huge plays.
"Everyone agrees it's great to see him play (on the big stage), he's a good player, he does some great things on the field. It was awesome to have him out there."
Mitchell has now scored four tries in five Origin appearances since 2018.