Queensland great Cooper Cronk has given weight to Latrell Mitchell’s push for a NSW call-up, declaring he’s mentally tough enough for State of Origin.
With two NRL games to be played before Blues coach Brad Fittler reads out his side for game one, the Sydney Roosters centre is considered one of the leading contenders for the vacant left centre spot.
The mercurial 20-year-old is widely seen as a future superstar and before he took on the Blues job, Fittler last year called for him to be blooded.
There is no doubting his game-breaking ability, however consistency – across games and seasons – has been his achilles heel.
Last year Mitchell was dropped to reserve grade, leading to questions about his temperament.
However those around him have constantly pointed to the fact he is still just 20.
This fact is sometimes lost given he’s in his third season of first grade and has already racked up 50-plus games.
“I think he’s definitely got the skill set, the belief, the determination and the toughness to handle the biggest arena in rugby league,” Cronk said.
Asked if Mitchell had the work ethic for Origin, Cronk continued: “He absolutely does.
“There’s no doubt that Latrell Mitchell, the age he is now, is not the finished product. He needs to continue his development and get better.
“You can see from his performances that he’s narrowing the gap between his best and his worst. And I think that’s what Origin players do.
“Their level of consistency is the reason they get picked – not because they can have one big play that can turn a game. But because from the first minute until the 80th minute they are putting themselves in a position to play well.”
Mitchell is competing with the likes of Melbourne’s Curtis Scott and Canberra’s Jarrod Croker for the left centre spot.
Dodgy dragons
Guest
If he is good enough, he is old enough in my opinion. Would have him well ahead of the human turnstile Croker, and haven’t seen enough of Scott to make a judgement on him.
Mushi
Guest
He still takes the wrong option a lot and gets bailed out 75% of the time by athleticism in attack. As a QLD and easts supporter I hope he gets picked. I think he will be a net negative against elite competition in a grind but learn from it. If NSW create space though...that will suck.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Maybe it's just me, and no offence to either Croker or Scott, but does anyone seriously think Fittler would choose either of these guys? Then again, Gus has been hinting that we have no idea of the surprises in store from Fittler with his 'wipe the slate clean' approach he's apparently going to take.
ja ja klazo
Guest
He has to be picked. His defence has improved markedly this year and in my opinion he has been one of the most consistent players for an admittedly inconsistent Roosters side. The way he decimated the Warriors every time he got the ball was just so impressive, the damage he could do with JAC outside him is scary.
Paul
Roar Guru
"Those around him have pointed to the fact he is only 20". So what. Inglis, Meninga, Steve Rogers, etc were all under 20 when they played for their respective States. Maybe it's different for this generation? You can bet your house Easts are not paying him under 21 year old wages and they expect him to switch on and play for the full 80 minutes. You can get away with having a fade in some first grade games, but that just can't happen in SOO. He'll very quickly learn what happens if he does get picked for NSW and his concentration lapses
BA Sports
Roar Guru
More QLD'ers giving advice on who NSW should pick... Well they haven't been able to work it out for themselves over the years so i suppose it could be seen as a genuine attempt to help...