Latrell's Origin future unclear in bid to 'repay' Souths

Latrell Mitchell is reportedly weighing up his State of Origin future, with the Rabbitohs superstar considering withdrawing himself for this year’s series for the NSW Blues.

The 26-year-old, who remains sidelined due to suspension, has endured a tough start to the season with South Sydney and has missed the past two games.

Mitchell isn’t expected back until the side’s round 10 clash with the Dragons, which would give him just a few weeks to impress NSW coach Michael Maguire.

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However, according to a report from 9news and The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas, the enigmatic fullback might not even give Maguire the choice, with the Bunnies fighting for their season.

Latrell Mitchell has been below his best for South Sydney this year.

“Latrell Mitchell is considering making himself unavailable for the start of the Origin series, to focus his attention on returning with South Sydney and turning the club’s fortunes around,” Chammas said on Sunday.

“Kalyn Ponga did a similar thing last year … he went on a run to the finals there. Latrell is considering the same to repay the club after missing the past fortnight.

“He is telling those close to him that he is giving serious thought to making himself unavailable for the start of the Blues’ campaign.”

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Mitchell has scored six tries in seven games at Origin level, but missed the entire 2023 series due to injury as the Blues lost the series.

This year, his form has dipped and his recent absence could see NSW look in a new direction, with the likes of Stephen Crichton and Tom Trbojevic leading the race for the centre positions and James Tedesco the incumbent in the No.1 jumper.

Earlier this month, Maguire left the door open for Mitchell to be selected, but admitted the Rabbitohs star needed to return to form before the series kicks off on June 5.