3 minute read

Playing in his first game since being dropped by NSW, Latrell Mitchell set up a try and should've had a second in the Sydney Roosters' loss to Melbourne.

It might not have been worthy of a State of Origin recall, but Trent Robinson was pleased to see Latrell Mitchell bounce back strongly from his NSW axing.

Playing five-eighth against Melbourne on Friday, Mitchell had one try assist and almost set up the match-winner in the two-point loss at Adelaide Oval.

"I thought he was feeling his way," Robinson said of Mitchell's display.

"I thought (the Storm) defended well as well. You gotta give credit to them, the way they moved. (But) I thought he did a really good job.

"I thought he asked questions, obviously almost set up the match-winner there with Brett (Morris) and just that last pass to (Daniel Tupou). Good performance."

Mitchell was heavily criticised for his performance in Origin I, however he was still a controversial omission for the second game in Perth.

The Blues' victory means coach Brad Fittler is unlikely to tinker with his winning formula for the decider, leaving Mitchell on the outside looking in.

And all eyes were on how the 22-year-old would respond against the Storm.

"I thought he came back in, defended well and he attacked well. I thought it was a good game," Robinson said.

"I think there was a lot of interest around that, but it was nice to see guys in a good environment, get back in and get out there and play footy.

"In the end, that's what they do. And he did it well."

The defeat leaves the Roosters six points adrift of the Storm in second spot, although Robinson will be buoyed by the return of some key players next week.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will return from suspension, while Luke Keary is a shot of making an anticipated comeback from concussion to face the Wests Tigers.

James Tedesco and Boyd Cordner are certain to be on Origin duty.