Matt Burton’s message to Michael Maguire as NSW coach faces big decision from Latrell Mitchell

New South Wales Hope Matt Burton declared to Michael Maguire that he is ready to play anywhere as the Blues coach mulls his team selection for the opener. Burton starred in Origin’s perfect audition on Thursday night, scoring two tries in Canterbury’s 44-12 rout of St George Illawarra.

Burton is considered a solid choice for the Blues at center or five-eighth, which happen to be the two positional areas where the Blues’ depth is thinnest ahead of the series opener in Sydney on June 5. Nicho Hynes looks locked in for the half-back spot, given his superb start to the season with the table-topping Sharks.

However, the fifth eighth place is not as clear. With injuries to game managers Nathan Cleary, Mitch Moses And Adam ReynoldsBurton is pitted against Penrith star Jarome Luai and Souths veteran Cody Walker for the No.6 jersey – but the latter may be ruled out due to a calf problem.

Luai was the first-choice five-eighth for three consecutive Origin series until he was dropped from Game III last year in favor of Walker. And with club partner Cleary sidelined with a hamstring injury, Maguire could choose to ignore him.

While the center is another possibility for Burton to have a chance on the Blues side. As a centre, Burton won the 2021 premiership with Penrith and was selected in the Dally M team of the year. His chances are also boosted by injuries to Bradman Best, Kotoni Staggs, Tom Trbojevic and Campbell Graham. A third option is to select Burton as a bench utility to avoid fallout from mid-game injuries.

And after putting in another outstanding performance, where his footwork and ball skills stood out, Burton says he is ready to play wherever Maguire needs him. “I just focused on playing hard here and playing hard for the boys. But if (Origin) happens, I’ll be thrilled,” Burton said.

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“I’ve had a lot of experience (at center) over the previous years. It’s kind of second nature to me. I’m really happy to play anywhere,” he said. “Obviously that versatility helps. Hopefully I can get that call. We’ll see what happens.”

The 24-year-old says he feels more ready for Origin than in the past and believes he can make a difference if selected. “Obviously having that experience in the past helps me and I feel more mature now. I feel like I’m definitely ready,” he said. “It’s just my stress zones around the ball, my supports and little things like that (are what’s improved this year).”

Latrell Mitchell ready for Blues call-up

Latrell Mitchell made himself available for an Origin return should Maguire call on him. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the availability of the Rabbitohs full-back.

But according to The Daily Telegraph, he informed those close to him that he was ready and willing to play Origin. Although he has declared he is ready to leave, the Blues boss is still unlikely to pick Mitchell to partner Stephen Crichton at centre, with Burton, Jesse Ramien and Zac Lomax all in contention and arguably ahead of him in the hierarchical order.

Mitchell’s form in 2024 has been patchy and he has also spent several weeks on the sidelines after being suspended for elbowing Shaun Johnson. However, since returning from his ban, the Souths No.1 has featured in the most tries over the past fortnight, demonstrating why he is considered one of the NRL’s biggest attacking threats.