Latrell Mitchell is left stunned by amazing act from 90,000 fans at the MCG after starring in huge NSW State of Origin win
Star was under huge pressure to perform in lead-up Brought into side despite patchy form for Souths Played a starring role in stellar win for the Blues
Blues star Latrell Mitchell was left momentarily lost for words when he drew a huge cheer from the crowd at a packed MCG just after NSW hammered Queensland in Wednesday night's State of Origin match.
The often controversial Souths fullback was under huge pressure to perform after being selected despite his patchy form and discipline troubles for the Bunnies this year, but came through in a huge way with a great game for his state.
In the lead-up to the game Mitchell said a lot of footy fans hate him despite not knowing who he really is - but he got nothing but love from the 90,084 fans in Melbourne.
The 27-year-old was being interviewed by Blues great turned Channel Nine commentator Paul Gallen after fulltime when the crowd reacted as they saw him on the big screen at the ground.
Asked about the excellent NSW defence, Mitchell said, 'We dedicated ourselves to defending there and showing a Blue wall, and it was really enjoyable to see the week pan out.'
He then broke into a smile and had to pause as he as almost drowned out by the roar of the crowd, leading him to say, 'How good's that!'
'I'm not making it about myself - it's about the people that showed up today, it's about everyone here in blue jerseys, blue shirts.'
Mitchell was one of many standouts for the Blues in their 38-18 victory, which saw them rack up a record 34-0 lead at halftime.
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Footy fans haven't always been kind to Mitchell - but 90,000 of them showed him nothing but love when he did a post-match interview with footy great Paul Gallen (right) on Wednesday
He scored a try, set up Brian To'o's four-pointer with a sublime flick pass and hammered the Maroons in defence all night, especially when he picked up and rag-dolled superstar Queensland fullback Reece Walsh.
However, he was also put on report for a grade-one careless high tackle on winger Xavier Coates when he hit him high as he fielded a bomb.
There were fears he could cop a suspension for the shot, but the NRL decided it was only worth fining him seven per cent of his pay for the match.
Mitchell was overlooked by coach Michael Maguire for game one based on his poor form for Souths, and it was rumoured that 'Madge' didn't think he was committed enough to turn out for the Blues.
The Souths fullback is pictured soaking up the atmosphere at the MCG after playing a big role in the Blues' demolition of Queensland
Mitchell scored one try (pictured) and set up another with a special flick pass
He cheekily reminded Maguire he was up for a game by posting a photo of him sitting with the coach at Souths' 2014 premiership reunion two weeks ago, accompanied by the caption, 'We on?'
'If Madge (Maguire) wants me, I'm in. I'm ready to go to Melbourne and give it to some Queenslanders,' Mitchell said.
'There was a lot of doubt with NSW because I've never been looked after. I've been the scapegoat. I don't want to go into this camp being the scapegoat if they lose.
'I want to go into a camp and feel comfortable in my own skin and create some bonds and get ready to play for people I want to play for. Not go in and be the scapegoat for the media to go, 'Latrell this, this and this'.'