Latrell Mitchell was larger than life and even though he was icing a set of sore ribs by the end of the night, he proved there just might be life in the Rabbitohs yet in mounting a nigh-irresistible case for a NSW Origin recall.
Mitchell produced a five-star showing as Brisbane were bashed out of the top eight on Friday night, with coach Ben Hornby conceding the star fullback “has got a bit of a sore rib”, though Souths officials were adamant afterwards that the issue won’t impact his Origin hopes.
Michael Maguire and Mitchell will both be in the throws of a red and green love-in on Saturday when the Rabbitohs 2014 premiership is celebrated, and could easily throw some sky-blue in as well given Mitchell’s dominance of a 22-12 triumph at Accor Stadium.
With skipper Cameron Murray also returning from a hip-flexor injury to push for an Origin II berth, South Sydney produced their best half of the season against a Broncos outfit that never left the gate.