‘I’m stunned’: Kevvie explains Latrell omission as experts react to shock World Cup call

The omission of Latrell Mitchell for the Kangaroos' semi-final against Samoa have left some experts stunned.

Coach Kevin Walters has elected to roll with the same starting side that thrashed the Cook Islands 66-6.

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It means that Mitchell, fullback James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker have been named in the reserves, with Mitchell and Tedesco on the six-man bench.

Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs are set to start at centre against Samoa.

Mitchell was quiet in Australia's opener against NZ but hasn't played since.

CODE Sports reporter Brent Read says he's "stunned" by the decision to leave Mitchell out for a knockout clash.

"I'm stunned by that. Everyone knows what I think about Latrell, and how highly I think about Latrell and I think there's certain players in our game who on the biggest stage, save their best performances. And for me is one of those guys," Read said on a special edition of NRL360.

"I know he was quiet against New Zealand, right? A lot of the Australian side were. But for me, if you pick Latrell in this squad, you pick him with the aim of playing him when it matters. And these games now really matter.

"I think this is the sort of game where if you give Latrell an opportunity, he will shine in. So I was surprised. I'm surprised he's not in that team."

It was a point fellow journalist Pete Badel agreed with.

"I actually would have played him throughout because I know there's been concerns about his back and his general fitness, but I think there was it was a bit of a shaving away of rust in that game against New Zealand," Badel said.

"He didn't get a lot of ball either, quality ball. And I think just cometh the hour, cometh the man, and I think Latrell would have stood up in these games."

Walters appeared on NRL360 to explain why Mitchell was left out of the starting side, with his comments indicating it was between Best and Mitchell with Staggs' spot seemingly safe.

However, Walters left the door open for Mitchell to be utilised at some stage during Sunday night's blockbuster.

"It's a tough one. Bradman went away with us last year on the Kangaroos Tour and unfortunately didn't get his opportunity, but this year he played well on a winning Origin team and then of course carried that form into the finals," Walters explained.

"The Knights surprised everyone with their form and on the back of a lot of the work that Bradman had done in the left centre position.

"So I get it's a tough call, but these are the decisions that I have to make as coach of the Australian side and the Kangaroos … So this that's a selection that we've gone with, and I'm really confident that Bradman will do a great job for the Kangaroos.

"Of course we've got a player like James Tedesco possibly and Latrell Mitchell sitting on the bench and if required, we can inject them into the game at any stage with the flexibility of the six man bench."

Mitchell meanwhille, took the setback all in his stride.

"I'm going to come on in the middle," he joked.

"I'm just here for Kotoni and to back up the backs. I'm here to play wherever's needed. If it's five minutes to go then I'll come on and kick a field goal (if they need it).

"Whatever Kevvie needs, I'll do.

"I'm part of a team that's got a bunch of superstars, so anywhere I can add value is something I'm grateful for."