Any doubts over Sydney Roosters X-factor Latrell Mitchell being named in the Kangaroos squad were brushed aside in the NRL grand final - much like his main rival Will Chambers.
Mitchell, 21, had already put forward a compelling case for next month's Tests against New Zealand and Tonga before the Roosters' 21-6 win over the Storm at ANZ Stadium.
Already considered the NRL's best centre, Mitchell still rammed home the point in a stellar grand final display by swatting away the challenge of incumbent Test centre Chambers - literally.
Mitchell's Roos selection was arguably sealed in the 14th minute when the Roosters speedster brushed aside a despairing Chambers to score his 17th try of the year and make it 12-0 to the Roosters.
Worse was to come.
Chambers looked to get his own back in the 25th minute when he appeared try-bound, only for Mitchell to comfortably bundle him into touch.
Chambers took exception as Mitchell gave him a friendly verbal reminder of his defensive effort, prompting the Storm centre to throw the ball at the Roosters star's head and almost spark a melee.
Two minutes later, Chambers again had a chance to score, only to slip and slide meekly into a waiting Mitchell.
What had loomed as one of the great battles of the season decider had become one way traffic.
Mitchell also added four goals and four tackle busts.
If NSW star Mitchell had a points decision over Queensland's Chambers in this year's State of Origin series, he scored a knockout win in the grand final.
The seed was sown for their simmering rivalry when Mitchell made his Blues debut in Origin I in June.
Chambers got in Mitchell's ear at every chance but it seemed only to spur the debutant on to greatness.
In fact, in the first two Origins with the series on the line, Mitchell busted through 18 tackles and scored two tries.
To boot, Chambers had missed 11 tackles in that time and Mitchell missed none.
It seemed the only thing that could stop Mitchell this finals series was suspension.
The young gun missed their preliminary final win over South Sydney due to a crusher tackle ban.
Mitchell appears one of the first picked for the Kangaroos squad named on Monday for Tests against New Zealand (October 13) and Tonga (October 20), both in Auckland.
Mitchell would prefer they be played at ANZ Stadium.
He has now scored nine tries in as many games at the venue.
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