Michael Maguire must rebound after a horror introduction into the State of Origin cauldron when New South Wales attempt to keep the series alive in Melbourne.
The Blues fell to a heavy 38-10 defeat against Queensland on home soil with Joseph Suaalii’s early send-off causing chaos.
The Sydney Roosters star has since copped a four-week ban for his high shot on Reece Walsh which rules him out of contention for Game II.
So, who has Maguire picked in the centres as they head to the MCG to try and avoid a third successive series loss to Billy Slater’s men?
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
- Is Cameron Smith in Queensland’s camp?
- Will Ray Warren come out of retirement to commentate 100th Origin game?
- Which NRL club has the biggest advantage for the State of Origin period?
Who will replace Joseph Suaalii in Game 2 for New South Wales?
Latrell Mitchell has been called upon by coach Maguire, with the Rabbitohs star to return to the Origin fold in Game II.
The fullback has been in the Origin wilderness in recent years as a mixture of poor form and injuries have restricted his time in the Blues jersey.
In fact, since lighting up the rep arena while dovetailing perfectly with Tom Trbojevic during the triumphant 2021 series, Mitchell hasn’t played for his state.
Brad Fittler called him into the team last year on two occasions, only for a troublesome calf injury to force him to miss both games.
The South Sydney fullback was viewed as a possible option in the centres this year, although a combination of indifferent displays and ill-discipline saw him gradually slip down the pecking order.
MORE: Confirmed Origin team lists for NSW and Qld in Game 2
Against the Gold Coast in Round 14 though, the 26-year-old made a timely statement in attack as he bagged a four-pointer and registered three try assists.
The No.1 made a compelling case for selection in Game II, as he had his fingerprints all over Souths’ third win of the campaign.
He then backed this up with another eye-catching display against the Broncos on the eve of Origin II selection.
Mitchell crashed over for another try, while also providing an assist in the surprise 22-12 victory.
Despite the well-publicised struggles of the superstar and the Bunnies this season, Mitchell is still one of the biggest attacking threats in the league as he has recorded seven tries and 12 assists in just 10 appearances.
Meanwhile, he also provided plenty of value in defence against the Titans with two try-saving tackles on Alofiana Khan-Pereira and some nice kicks out of yardage to make it almost impossible for Maguire to overlook him.
Other candidates to replace Sua'ali'i in the centres included versatile Bulldogs half Matt Burton, talented Knights back Bradman Best, dark horse Jacob Kiraz, and consistent Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs.
