LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Latrell Mitchell has been in the spotlight following his early morning exit from the team hotel after New South Wales' victory over Queensland in State of Origin 1.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback reportedly left the hotel at 4am while NSW coach Laurie Daley celebrated his team's 18-6 triumph at Suncorp Stadium.
The win showcased the Blues' dominance over Billy Slater's Queensland team, leading to discussions about possible changes to Slater's lineup for Game 2, especially regarding the underperforming captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
Daley expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and indicated that celebrations concluded by 1am, emphasizing the importance of staying focused for the upcoming challenges.
Nevertheless, Fox Sports reporter Dane Lillingstone reported that Mitchell quietly exited the camp to avoid media attention.
This departure aligns with his ongoing media boycott, as he was later seen in the dressing room with family and even shared a moment with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is a Rabbitohs fan.
Mitchell's decision to leave early may have been driven by a desire for personal time or simply to evade the media throng, which typically awaits players as they leave the hotel.
In the match against Queensland, Mitchell had a standout moment when he assisted Brian To'o's second try with a skillful mid-air pass.
Looking ahead, the Rabbitohs will compete against the Warriors, currently sitting in third place, giving Mitchell a few days to recuperate before this important matchup.
With the Rabbitohs positioned sixth on the ladder, they face a challenging opponent following a recent loss for the Warriors against Canberra.