Andrew Johns has backed Latrell Mitchell's decision to withdraw from NSW selection for the State of Origin decider after the South Sydney fullback made his long-awaited return to NRL action.
Mitchell had been sidelined since round five with a hamstring problem but returned for the Rabbitohs in an assured 30-12 win over Parramatta on Saturday.
Immediately after the game Mitchell said he wouldn't be accepting a call-up from NSW coach Brad Fittler.