With the games against the Broncos on the line and opposing centre James Roberts blocking his path, Mitchell produced a fend for the ages. It again sparked a raft of comparisons with Greg Inglis and perhaps is the moment that marks his coming of age as a star in his own right.

"It's just natural," Mitchell said of the 'don't argue' that is his trademark fend.

"I used to be faster so I never needed to palm anyone off. It's just a habit now, if they get a bit close it's right there.

"I've been watching GI and all the top players do it. It's an opportunity I take ???

"You've got big front rowers that you don't want to be tackled by, so it gets them away from you."

That is happened at such a big moment, against such a quality player, made it all the more special.

"It's a big confidence boost coming up against Jimmy the Jet. He's been in the game and doing what he's doing for the last five or six years, he performs at his best.

"To be able to even up on him is a confidence boost because I know what sort of a player he is. You always try to beat your opposition and to be able to do that was something inspiring, it was good.

"To get one up on him, we had a yarn after the game. It was good to talk and have a laugh about it."

Every match-up is a personal one for Mitchell. The 20 year old, in just his second season in the top grade, likes to challenge himself against the best centres in the game.

"There's always good centres out there, we've seen a few," he said.

"Roberts is one of those. You look up and see which way you can test him, ask him a couple of questions. It's good to be able to come up against a good centre, it brings the best out of me."

When Latrell was dropped to feeder side Wyong earlier this season, it appeared a case of second-year syndrome. However, such was his form on his return, NSW coach Laurie Daley revealed he was almost a shock inclusion in his Origin side.

"I didn't really think about second-year syndrome too much, I don't even believe in it," he said.

"It was disheartening getting dropped but I was there to play footy.

"To be able to play down with a few mates and enjoy that park feeling, I really enjoyed it.

"(It was a benefit) to get grounded again and come back and play some footy."

The Roosters take on North Queensland for the right to play in a grand final just a year after finishing 15th. While they may be the last Sydney team in contention, the tricolours aren't expecting to have the support of the Harbour City.

"It would be good to get a good crowd," said halfback Mitchell Pearce.

"It's not going to make a difference whether they are behind us or not. We've got good, solid Roosters fans there, about 8000 or 10,000 that turn up every week. They always get us home."