If there was any doubt at all about Latrell Mitchell's State of Origin credentials, Sunday's first-half display in NSW's series-clinching win at Suncorp Stadium surely dispelled it.
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The South Sydney superstar, a leading light in the 50-6 game one mauling in Townsville, was the spark for the Blues as they once again ran over Queensland on enemy territory.
After the Maroons made a fast start Mitchell's first big play came when he pushed Queensland fullback Valentine Holmes back into the in-goal area to win his team a repeat set.
Mitchell's individual brilliance was again to the fore for NSW's opening try.
Using brute strength, Mitchell won the ball in a one-on-one strip against Queensland's Kyle Feldt in great field position and moments later the Blues swept the ball right for Josh Addo-Carr to score.
In the 26th minute, the Blues were inside their own 20 defending a full set against the Queenslanders when Mitchell swooped to intercept a Valentine Holmes pass and then sprint 85 metres to score.
There was still time before the halftime siren for one more big play, this time in defence.
With the Maroons threatening again to get on the board, Mitchell stopped opposite number Dane Gagai dead with a crunching tackle before bundling the Queensland centre into touch.
With that play, NSW had secured an 18-0 halftime lead which more than set the platform for Brad Fittler's team to avenge last year's shock series defeat.
Recalled for this series after being dumped by Fittler following NSW's 2019 Suncorp Stadium loss, Mitchell has relished his reeturn to the Blues fold.
"We worked really hard over the month and working into this game, Freddy has us combining and bonded together really well," Mitchell told the Nine Network.
"The camps have been set up really awesome. I've really bought into it from the get go.
"I can't thank the boys enough, and the coaching staff and the playing group. It's unbelievable."
Australian Associated Press
