“One for the ages”: Origin centre duel the key according to Matty Johns

Former New South Wales Blues playmaker Matty Johns believes the battle between the star centres from each team could determine the winner from Origin II at the MCG next week.

With Latrell Mitchell returning to the Blues line-up for the first time since 2021 to pair up with Stephen Crichton and take on the Maroons duo of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes – the centre duel will be one to watch as NSW try and send the series to a decider in Brisbane.

And those match-ups have Johns excited for what’s to come at one of the most iconic sporting grounds in the world next Wednesday.

“Crichton and Latrell Mitchell, that centre combination, I look at that combination and that gives me so much belief that (NSW) is going to win the football game,” he said on SEN 1170's The Run Home with Joel and Fletch.

“If you have a look at the side, that match-up on the right hand side of the field – Steven Crichton versus Hamiso, will just be one for the ages.

“It’s a primetime match-up – Hamiso, who at the moment is the best attacking player in the comp in my opinion against the bloke who is the best defensive centre I’ve ever seen, that’ll be terrific.

“On the other side too, Val up against Latrell, because I think Latrell can get him with his size and power.”

Johns also gave some advice to the returning Mitchell Moses in how to let his outside backs do some damage against the Maroons.

“You know what I think is a really important one going into this game, one thing I like about Mitchell (Moses), he plays straight that will help our outside men,” he said.

“If you’re Mitch Moses and Jarome (Luai), I think the simpler you play, the better. Do a little bit less and feed your centres early.”

Moses and Mitchell are two of five changes for the Blues side to face Queensland in Melbourne on June 26.