Wayne Bennett’s Caution to Blues Selectors: ‘They’ll Rest Easier’

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is hoping that Latrell Mitchell won’t be selected for Laurie Daley’s Blues squad ahead of the State of Origin series opener in just 18 days.

His reluctance isn’t driven by a selfish desire to keep his star fullback; rather, it’s due to genuine concern about the impact Mitchell could have against the Maroons. With extensive experience coaching Queensland in 25 Origin matches over four decades, Bennett understands the risk all too well.

“I sincerely hope he’s not picked. The Maroons will breathe a little easier if he’s not on the field for NSW,” Bennett told reporters after Mitchell put on a masterclass against the Broncos at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

“He’s such a formidable player, doing exactly what Latrell does best.”

“That’s what sets him apart as an exceptional player.”

Despite being down 14-0 at half-time, the Rabbitohs displayed their superiority in the second half. With the match level at 14-all in the dying moments, Mitchell kicked a two-point field goal to nudge his team ahead, then sealed the victory with a try as the Broncos turned their backs in disbelief at full-time.

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Even Bennett was surprised that Mitchell’s field goal — struck perfectly from halfway — made it through the posts.

“I don’t think any of us believed it would go in, and then suddenly the excitement hit,” Bennett recounted.

After making contact with the ball flawlessly, a typically stoic Mitchell turned away, only to be swamped by his teammates.

“Is there any moment that Latrell Mitchell can’t seize?” Billy Slater remarked during Nine’s broadcast.

Phil Gould chimed in, stating: “He’s a phenomenon; there’s simply no better descriptor for him.”

At the Origin level, Mitchell has been somewhat of a mystery. While he played the entire series in both 2018 and 2021, he has had limited appearances outside of those years, with only two other games in the Blues jersey — one in the first game of 2019 and another in the second match of 2024.

The teams for the first Origin match will be announced next Monday. The Rabbitohs are set to face the Tigers at Campbelltown the following Sunday evening.