LATRELL ATTITUDE A PROBLEM FOR ROOSTERS
Not long after the full-time siren in the Sydney Roosters’ grand final win over the Canberra Raiders, Channel 9’s sideline commentator Brad Fittler tried to interview Latrell Mitchell.
He declined, still apparently dirty about his axing from the NSW State of Origin team after the Blues lost the opening game of the series at Suncorp Stadium. Mitchell insists no one has properly explained to him why he was sacked. The stand-off would indicate Mitchell is unlikely to play Origin for NSW while Fittler is coaching.
Either he’ll make himself unavailable or Freddy won’t pick him.
The Roosters star appears to be suffering from an attitude of self-entitlement. A bit like Anthony Mundine in the early days at the Dragons in the ’90s. A siege mentality.
He is not the first player to be dropped from rep football and won’t be the last.
This brashness is a concern for the Sydney Roosters. While in this frame of mind it would be no surprise if the club offered Mitchell an immediate release from the final year of his contract if the Kangaroos centre signs with the Canterbury Bulldogs, like many expect he will.
The Roosters see no point in him hanging around.
Stories have emerged in recent days about his secret meeting at the home of George Coorey, chairman of the Canterbury Leagues Club.
So secret that even Latrell’s manager Wade Rushton was not invited but another agent was. Nor was Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill or coach Dean Pay at the meeting.
Latrell apparently feels unloved at the Roosters.
He doesn’t feel their offer of $800,000-a-year is enough, although it would make him the highest paid centre in the competition. While he threw the pass to set up the matchwinning grand final try, his form last season was probably about a seven out of 10. Average to good most weeks.
The other issue is the prestigious World Club Challenge on February 22.
It again clashes with the Indigenous All Stars. This is a touchy subject. The Roosters fully support and encourage his passion and commitment to indigenous causes.
At the same time they would prefer him to play against St Helens in February because he played the All Stars this year. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.