Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has been labelled “the buy of the season” after the former Panther starred in the Dogs’ come-from-behind victory over the Eels on Monday.
Latrell Mitchell delivered a masterclass to down the Titans, and he’s put himself in the shop front to earn an Origin call-up.
Jarome Luai’s form as the Panthers’ halfback will give Tigers coach Benji Marshall an immense amount of confidence ahead of his impending arrival.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Shaun Johnson, a Warriors playmakers has lit the competition on fire to inspire ‘The Wahs’.
They might not have recorded the biggest margin of victory in Round 14, but you could make a strong case that the Bulldogs’ 22-18 win over the Eels was one of the performances of the week.
They had to overcome plenty of adversity, having lost three players during the game to injury, a sin bin against them and a lopsided penalty count.
Despite this, the Bulldogs found a way to win after they were eight points down with 11 minutes to go. In recent years past, there’s no way they win that game.
There were several contributors all over the park for the Bulldogs, but none more important than skipper Stephen Crichton.
Not just for his play, but the undeniable impact he’s had on this side as the captain of their club.
There were some critics of coach Cameron Ciraldo’s decision to name Crichton captain before the start of the season, due to the fact he hadn’t even played an NRL game in club colours, but so far the call has proven to be a masterstroke.
Due to Joseph Sua’ali’i’s four-game suspension, there is a vacant centre spot for the Blues up for grabs.
Souths star Latrell Mitchell was overlooked for State of Origin Game I due to indifferent form, but he’s now the short-priced favourite to be recalled after an outstanding performance against the Titans over the weekend.
Due to injury, Mitchell didn’t feature in the 2022 and 2023 series for New South Wales, but barring something drastic, he’ll likely be wearing blue on June 26.
Mitchell was in everything for the Bunnies, recording four line break assists, three try assists, three tackle busts and 16 points which included a try.
Luke Keary, a former teammate of Mitchell, is confident the Rabbitohs fullback has runs on the board in the Origin arena and will do the job for the Blues.
“Big Trell, it’s good to see him playing some good footy. He’ll be in thereabouts (Origin contention) for New South Wales,” Keary said on Fox League.
“It’s a really good atmosphere in there (Blues camp) during the week. I can see Latrell getting in there. He’s been there for NSW before and done a real good job for them too.
“Just with Latrell. I’ve stood next to him in some big games, two grand finals. Whether he’s in form, out of form, playing fullback, in, out, whatever people are gonna say about him. If he lines up in an Origin game I can guarantee you the blokes standing across from him and next to him, he puts belief in the people around him.
“He can come up with massive plays at different times and he’ll turn up.
“Whether, whatever mindset he’s in. He’ll turn up for New South Wales.”
Rugby league legend Mal Meninga agreed with Keary and says Mitchell seems in the right mindset and form to make a huge impact if called upon by the Blues.
“They talk about Latrell’s effort levels I thought he was in the game for the whole 80 tonight. He made a real difference,” Meninga said.
“He’s in a happy mood playing good footy. I think a buoyant, confident Latrell in the NSW side would be a good addition.
“I agree with Luke. My own personal opinion I think he’s one of the best centres to play the game.
“If he plays left centre, obviously he’s dangerous with the football when given the room to move. He’s got great skills as well.
“One of his best assets is his decision making defensively. I think he’s a very good decision maker in defence. As shown by his try savers today. If he’s there, he’s dangerous.”
A couple of other contenders for the Blues’ centre spot also flexed their muscles on Saturday night.
Sharks star Jesse Ramien proved a handful against the Broncos, recording 167 running metres, while Brisbane outside back Kotoni Staggs was damaging with ball in hand at times, posting five tackle busts.
