I don't have a replay to jog my memory but early in the first half [around the 15 min mark?] there was a break down the left side of the field [Addo-Carr?] Had Mitchell backed him up he would have scored a try.
There was a head-on shot of the runner getting tackled in Qld's half, that showed Mitchell scratching his arse back on NSW's 25 meter line.
Mitchell has a lot in common with Hayne; big, strong, speed, sheer natural talent. Both were/are wrecking balls when they're in the mood. Both 'turn-off' & take a break in-between flashes of brilliance.
The difference between them having a good game & a bad one depends on how many minutes they go walkabout in their own minds during play.
Imagine if Hayne had the dedication like a Wayne Pearce or Wade Graham who were/are always there to back up a ball runner, a kick & in cover defense.
Some accuse me of being a Hayne hater. Not so, it's sheer frustration at such a waste because I rate his potential that highly. Hayne had/has the worst attitude. A lazy trainer because he was/is a superstar in his own mind.
I'm seeing Mitchell going down the same path as Hayne. Like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
Unless Mitchell changes his attitude, it will be another what-could-have-been story.
Maybe he should have a good talk with Cameron Smith. Not that I'm a fan but credit where credit is due. Smith is a good example of how sheer hard work with a dedicated attitude to training & playing is the difference between an Immortal & an-also-ran. Consistent and dependable. [Can't remember Smith ever having played a bad game]
Apart from the fact that we won game 3 without him, I was so pleased when Mitchell was dropped. Next year I hope that he is not an automatic selection but rather, is told he has to earn a position to play Origin football because it's a privilege that's earned, not a given.
It might just be the kick up the arse that he desperately needs.
