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2022 Rabbitohs State Of Origin

callmack1

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Barefoot Blues draw inspiration from 'life changing' Lismore visit: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/07/06...inspiration-from-life-changing-lismore-visit/

Freddy was ridiculed for 'not being able to coach.' Now he stands on the brink of Origin immortality: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...y/news-story/8ce8351dc708f3b1e03f6541f8bf638a

Origin icon's key to NSW ending 17-year drought: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/9f66246c-5a3e-4884-a5af-47a878346aff

QLD champions ominous call as decider looms: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/01befad0-00d9-44b2-90a5-b5931987e6aa

Origin on alert as Blues player tests positive: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2...f-origin/fab7bf67-7b49-41ea-a809-6e620952ce41
 

callmack1

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From Sporting News,

Latrell Mitchell explains Origin decision as captaincy debut awaits

Latrell Mitchell has explained his decision to rule himself out of the State of Origin decider, as his captaincy debut for South Sydney awaits.

The 25-year-old returned for the Rabbitohs in Round 16 after a lengthy layoff due to hamstring and knee issues, playing a starring role in their 30-12 victory.

Latrell would then shock the rugby league world when he announced he would not take part in the Origin decider, despite the fact he was almost certainly going to factor into the plans of NSW coach Brad Fittler.

Speaking on SEN's The Captain's Run, Latrell explained his decision in depth and is looking forward to seeing the incumbent centres bring home the shield.

“It was definitely a hard decision,” he said.

“I love the game of Origin...I just didn't want to put myself in there to compromise what I’ve recently done in America.

“It was a hard decision, I wanted to be in there representing the Blues. You’ve got to be all in, I just thought for me I had to get back in the club and get on top of it.

“I shut the headlines down, it was the hardest decision I ever had to make, I really wanted to play - but I had to think about Latrell Mitchell, is he going to play the rest of the season if he plays Origin?

"Or I could just sit out, let the boys do what they’re doing and let (Matt) Burton, Jackie (Wighton) and (Stephen) Crichton do what they do.

“That’s me, and that’s why.”

Latrell's absence in the series opener was noticeable, and while the Blues did bounce back in Game Two, they would much rather have the hulking centre on the field than off it.

But according to Latrell, his body is still not up to playing a gruelling Origin clash and he admitted he didn't want to let the Blues players and fans down.

“When you put that jersey on you want to be out there with your brothers and not let anyone down,” he said.

“That’s the type of person I am, to have that type of character like a Boyd Cordner, a leader who knew when it was time you had to give in that you had to.

“You didn’t want to let your team down or your state down given how hard you worked for it. I thought I would’ve been able to get myself mentally prepared but physically I didn’t think I could get there.

“It was a long decision...I knew I still wasn’t 100 per cent.”

Latrell will instead line up for the Bunnies in Round 17, as they look to keep themselves in the top-eight heading into the business end of the NRL season.

And with Cameron Murray away on rep duties with NSW, Latrell will wear the captain's armband for the first time in his career.

“That’s up there with grand finals for me," he said.

“I’ve never captained anything, in any sport, my whole life. That’s a big thing, I spoke to the coach, he rang me and I was jumping around.

“It was so important for me to have this role, I know that I’ve had this responsibility chucked onto me but I’ve grown into it.

“To be able to named to have the ‘C’ next to my name, Cam Murray is a great leader, he leads by actions, he leads by example he does all the one-percenters and does everything right.

“I’m just happy to be there beside him, helping him out having that role. It’s such a privilege to hold this role at such a foundation club.

“I hold it up there as one of my greatest achievements and I can’t wait for tomorrow night.”
 

callmack1

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Media conference - Billy Slater: https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/07/12/media-conference-billy-slater/

Why 2017 Origin decider could help Billy with big halves call as Cronk reveals 'key' player: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/08485058c85f7e40cfbbddd6d6095019

Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...r/news-story/66331f45660ccdf7617e943b33fcadd9

What happened to 'playing no games' Billy? Slater's backflip over Maroons team as huge call looms: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/8e7b59a804d242d7c2a277b57c003099

Cronk's gamebreakers - The QLD trio set to inspire the Munster-less Maroons: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/a681db473de4821f641d9bfc023b23a9
 

callmack1

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Happy Origin day everyone!!

How good that we have a decider on our hands?! Super pumped for it!

Hoping Queensland can get the job done but just can't shake the feeling that NSW will win.
 

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