Bradman Best display sparks brutal State of Origin dilemma for NSW around Latrell Mitchell

Bradman Best has once again shown Blues fans why he belongs in the State of Origin arena having scored the opening try for NSW on Wednesday night and it raises the question over Latrell Mitchell's return in 2025. Best was called into the team for Game 3, the same as last year, after Mitchell injured his foot against the Eels in the NRL.

Mitchell was devastating in his Origin Game 2 appearance as he wreaked havoc on the left edge against the hapless Maroons. He finished his performance with a try assist and a try himself. Unfortunately, his absence due to a foot injury forced Blues coach Michael Maguire to select Best for the decider.

And the barnstorming centre delivered in the Suncorp cauldron having scored the opening try in the 65th minute as he brushed off two defenders on the way to the try line. Best emerged bloodied and bruised after the put down in the corner as his Blues teammates got around their rampaging centre.

He finished with 149 running metres, six tackle breaks and a try. And for the second year in a row, Best delivered in Game 3. Although this time it was under different circumstances as the Blues broke a 19 year drought to win a decider in Queensland.

And naturally a debate will emerge over who will retain their position next year if both Mitchell and Best are fit. Stephen Crichton has one centre positioned locked in with the Bulldogs back often considered the best in the game.

Although the argument could be made both Best and Mitchell outshine Crichton when they played. Mitchell has the X-factor that makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world when he is on. Best has proven he is made the Origin arena with his grit and determination seeing him cross the line three times in just two appearances.

Mitchell currently plays fullback for the Rabbitohs, but could see a move to centre next year of Jye Gray is deemed the long-term successor at fullback. Regardless, Blues coach Maguire will have plenty to think about before Game 1 next year with three elite centres vying for two positions in the squad.

Latrell Mitchell backs Blues after foot injury

While Mitchell wasn't able to join his Blues teammates in camp, he was celebrating from his home having posted a number of times congratulating his teammates. One such post saw him repost Best's celebration as he wrote: "NSW don't get Origin," mocking Queenslanders for the claim the state is more passionate about the rivaly.

Mitchell will be keen to get back into the Origin arena next year with the NSW superstar an undeniable X-factor in attack. Mitchell will avoid season-ending surgery on his foot and could return after a number of weeks out.

Michael Maguire calls for Blues dynasty in Origin

After the game, coach Maguire was thrilled with the players having dug deep to win the series after a crushing Game 1 loss in NSW. And Maguire called for the players to look at making history in Origin.

“We didn’t talk about the enormity of what’s happened in the game because it’s a new group,” Maguire said after the historic victory.

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“It’s something there this group wants to build themselves, and that’ll go down in history," he said after the series win. “The belief of what this group is capable of; something there is really special. They really believe in each other.”