NSW coach Michael Maguire has backed Latrell Mitchell to "just be himself and play footy" on recall to the Blues squad ahead of their attempt to keep the State of Origin series alive in Melbourne next Wednesday.

The Indigenous All Stars captain is set to make his first Origin appearance since 2021 after missing the previous two series with injury, slotting into centre position left vacant by suspended game one debutant Joseph Sua'ali'i.

Mitchell's selection comes following a string of stronger performances as his Souths begin to get some wins on the board and after telling the Sydney Morning Herald he is keen "to go to Melbourne and give it to some Queenslanders" if given the nod.

Speaking on Monday morning, Maguire said he expects a settled Mitchell to play his role in camp.

"He's playing great footy. I think everyone can see that and we don't need to dig into that...he's got a smile on his face. I went out and watched him play. He's got a lot of spirit about what he's doing," Maguire said.

"We all know he's a very talented world class player, and he's showing that, and especially in the last month, I think that's probably the piece that I saw...he was growing towards what we know what Latrell can do.

"So getting Latrell back in, I'm sure the boys will feel the confidence around that. But also too, he knows he's just gonna play his part of the team…He'll play his part along with everyone else."

Maguire later added "the thing that I'm really keen for Latrell to do, is just be here and just be himself and play footy. Because that's what he's really good at".

The new man in charge at the Blues forecast a potential kicking role for Mitchell, and quickly squashed any suggestions of a need to 'clear the air' between the Bunnies fullback and Spencer Leniu within camp.

In March, Mitchell was among the loudest of voices advocating for the NRL to take a strong approach towards Leniu's use of a racial slur directed at Broncos half Ezra Mam during the season's kick off in Las Vegas.

"Not at all," Maguire said when asked about any concerns over the matter.

Maguire was also tight-lipped when asked what separated incoming half Mitch Moses and Nicho Hynes, who was axed after the first game of the series for the second time in as many years on Sunday night.

Moses moves into the no.7 jumper after starring in NSW's sole win in game three last year and after being ruled out of this year's opener with injury.

The Blues coach wouldn't be tempted into talking about his preferred pecking order, but had said "they're always tough decisions" to make.

"I make sure I'm very thorough in the way I make those decisions, but I feel that obviously with the opportunity of a wider group to select from and what I've looked at, I'm really comfortable with Mitch (Moses) coming in," Maguire said.

"He's been there and done that. He's had the opportunities of the experience so he knows what to expect."

Hynes' performance in the hefty 38-10 game one defeat spark immediate queries around whether he would feature again three weeks later.

The Sharks half's kicking game also birthed criticism.

Maguire highlighted Moses' kicking, playing style and experience as attributes helping his selection.

He also revealed incoming Roosters utility and Origin debutant Connor Watson was close to running out in Sydney earlier this month.

"I had a really good close look at Connor (for) the first Origin, actually. He reminds me a bit of a Craig Wing. He can play pretty well anywhere on the field," Maguire said.

"He's just got a lot of energy. He can play a lot of different positions. He's sort of like the perfect no.14, really. I'd be comfortable to put him anywhere on the field.

"Everyone wants to play Origin and he's, he's really excited and I know that he can come in and fill many different roles for us if need be."