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Cracks opening in relationship between Latrell Mitchell and Roosters
Before he retired, Greg Inglis had a simple piece of advice for Latrell Mitchell: ‘‘Be your own man.’’
It was said in the heart of Roosters territory at Bondi Icebergs and it was said before the pair were going to clash in round one. It was said when Inglis was still a player and Mitchell was being called the next Greg Inglis.
Our item last week where we revealed the Roosters feared Souths were preparing to make a big play for the star centre has gained significant traction and momentum. Some have dismissed it, but those who are aware of the issues Mitchell is dealing with know that there is plenty going on behind the scenes. Right now there is a crack in the relationship between Mitchell and the Roosters.
Pressure mounts: There is plenty going on behind the scenes at the Roosters with Latrell Mitchell.
Photo: AAP
You can be sure the Roosters will treat Mitchell with all the love and respect that he deserves – as the best and most exciting young player in the game.
The club knows there are external forces telling Mitchell that to reach his true potential as a player and to make the money that he deserves, he needs to be playing fullback. That won’t happen at the Roosters. Not while James Tedesco is at the club.
And Tedesco said during the week in an interview with Channel Nine news that he wants to play out the rest of his career at the Bondi club. That may explain why Mitchell is showing interest in a permanent move to five-eighth when Luke Keary moves in to play half after Cooper Cronk calls it quits.
Beyond positional considerations, there are family pressures weighing on Mitchell: a constant theme is that family members have a genuine fondness for South Sydney.
There is also a feeling from the Mitchell family that not enough was done by the Roosters for Latrell’s brother Shaq, a young forward with loads of potential. His issues were weight and injury.
The Roosters will say – and provide evidence – that they did everything possible to help Shaq make it in the big time. The last we heard, he injured himself in a local NFL tryout when he was thinking of giving American football a crack. The Roosters have monitored his life and they provided help with a job he was trying to get.
Latrell is also in the middle of a split from his long-time agent, Steve Deacon, the former Easts centre. This issue was discussed by Roosters officials during the week. The Roosters fear Mitchell will link up with agent Matt Rose – a close friend of Mitchell, who also does fight promotion.
Mitchell was at the weigh-in when Paul Gallen fought John Hopoate. He just hung out in a corner of the room and politely declined interview requests. The theory is that if Rose takes charge of his career, Mitchell will end up at Souths. The Rabbitohs are privately hoping that is what happens.
Coup signing: Souths are still hoping to lure Mitchell to Redfern.
Photo: AAP
But that’s not to say Rose has a great relationship with Souths officials, although his biggest star, Cody Walker, is at the club.
Wayde Rushton, who manages Kalyn Ponga, is another being mentioned as a potential agent.
The Mitchell case certainly is a fascinating one. It’s a tribute to his ability that he is still managing to star on the field.
Has there been any confirmation about that rumour that the Dogs signed Latrell's brother?
It's obvious Latrell wants the million dollar a year salary and now the Roosters cant pay it unless they do some major roster culling
Before he retired, Greg Inglis had a simple piece of advice for Latrell Mitchell: ‘‘Be your own man.’’
It was said in the heart of Roosters territory at Bondi Icebergs and it was said before the pair were going to clash in round one. It was said when Inglis was still a player and Mitchell was being called the next Greg Inglis.
Our item last week where we revealed the Roosters feared Souths were preparing to make a big play for the star centre has gained significant traction and momentum. Some have dismissed it, but those who are aware of the issues Mitchell is dealing with know that there is plenty going on behind the scenes. Right now there is a crack in the relationship between Mitchell and the Roosters.
Pressure mounts: There is plenty going on behind the scenes at the Roosters with Latrell Mitchell.
Photo: AAP
You can be sure the Roosters will treat Mitchell with all the love and respect that he deserves – as the best and most exciting young player in the game.
The club knows there are external forces telling Mitchell that to reach his true potential as a player and to make the money that he deserves, he needs to be playing fullback. That won’t happen at the Roosters. Not while James Tedesco is at the club.
And Tedesco said during the week in an interview with Channel Nine news that he wants to play out the rest of his career at the Bondi club. That may explain why Mitchell is showing interest in a permanent move to five-eighth when Luke Keary moves in to play half after Cooper Cronk calls it quits.
Beyond positional considerations, there are family pressures weighing on Mitchell: a constant theme is that family members have a genuine fondness for South Sydney.
There is also a feeling from the Mitchell family that not enough was done by the Roosters for Latrell’s brother Shaq, a young forward with loads of potential. His issues were weight and injury.
The Roosters will say – and provide evidence – that they did everything possible to help Shaq make it in the big time. The last we heard, he injured himself in a local NFL tryout when he was thinking of giving American football a crack. The Roosters have monitored his life and they provided help with a job he was trying to get.
Latrell is also in the middle of a split from his long-time agent, Steve Deacon, the former Easts centre. This issue was discussed by Roosters officials during the week. The Roosters fear Mitchell will link up with agent Matt Rose – a close friend of Mitchell, who also does fight promotion.
Mitchell was at the weigh-in when Paul Gallen fought John Hopoate. He just hung out in a corner of the room and politely declined interview requests. The theory is that if Rose takes charge of his career, Mitchell will end up at Souths. The Rabbitohs are privately hoping that is what happens.
Coup signing: Souths are still hoping to lure Mitchell to Redfern.
Photo: AAP
But that’s not to say Rose has a great relationship with Souths officials, although his biggest star, Cody Walker, is at the club.
Wayde Rushton, who manages Kalyn Ponga, is another being mentioned as a potential agent.
The Mitchell case certainly is a fascinating one. It’s a tribute to his ability that he is still managing to star on the field.
Has there been any confirmation about that rumour that the Dogs signed Latrell's brother?
It's obvious Latrell wants the million dollar a year salary and now the Roosters cant pay it unless they do some major roster culling
