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Latrell Mitchell has responded to reports regarding his availability for NSW, denying his conversations with Michael Maguire went south prior to selection.
The 26-year-old was overlooked by Blues selectors when the team was unveiled on Sunday, with the centre pairing of Joseph Suaalii and Stephen Crichton getting the nod.
Mitchell has had a mixed season with the Rabbitohs, who sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder, but produced a strong performance in round 12 against the struggling Eels.
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There had been reports Mitchell was set to make himself unavailable for NSW selection, but told reports over the weekend that he would put his hand up if required.
After the side was announced, a report from News Corp claimed the communication between Mitchell and Maguire left the NSW coach feeling like the superstar ‘wasn’t overly obsessed’ with pulling on the sky blue jumper for this year’s campaign.
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
But in a social media post, the Bunnies powerhouse staunchly defended his desire to play State of Origin and took aim at a prominent reporter.
“Just to clarify – Buzz Rothfield at it again telling yarn,” Mitchell said via Instagram.
“I’m always committed to playing for NSW. I specifically said to Madge via phone call if I’m playing well enough for me to be in your side, then I’m 100 per cent in.
“I bleed blue, I love the rivalry and the Origin arena. All I can do now is focus on Souths and winning more games. Good luck to the boys … I’ll be cheering NSW all the way.”
Mitchell has scored six tries in seven appearances for the Blues, but missed the entirety of last year’s series due to a calf injury after initially being selected.
In 2022, the fullback missed the series due to a hamstring injury.
The series between NSW and Queensland will kick off on Wednesday, June 5.
