Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has taken issue with NSW coach Brad Fittler about comments he made about Latrell Mitchell after the State of Origin I.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has lashed out at suggestions the NRL club is unhappy with star centre Latrell Mitchell, labelling the rumours “a load of crap”.
Mitchell was heavily criticised for a quiet showing in Brisbane, which included a critical second-half sin-binning for a professional foul.
It prompted Fittler to question Mitchell’s motivation levels, and even claim that the Roosters are unhappy with on of their key backs.
Robinson revealed he called Fittler to address the comments.
He went on to defend the 21-year-old, saying the Kangaroos representative has delivered many times on the big stage.
Robinson took offence to claims the Roosters were unhappy with Mitchell, whose form has dipped since an imposing performance against the Wests Tigers in Round 8.
In the three subsequent games, Mitchell has carried the ball for just 50-metres a game, dragging his season average to 77m per match.
Rob
Guest
I think people criticising Latrell and Fitler should take a breath. Obviously during Origin things happen and interchange decisions are made on the run. Klemmer was injured and it played a part in how Fitler rotated his bench. Also if Latrell is hurt especially in the groin he would always be restricted on the football field with his speed and power being hindered. It obviously would also affect his confidence. People saying he wasn’t trying are probably missing the real issue which is fans and coaches expecting players to be good to play when they’re hurt.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Latrell's form has been down for weeks. I'm not sure you can pick a guy who's been playing well below his best (and widely acknowledged to be) and then be justified in getting cranky when he plays well below his best for your side. Pretty much all the commentary around Latrell has been purely conjecture. The media's spend the first half of the season pumping him up to be the second coming and now that he's not reaching those expectations every week there's a hundred articles about why he's failing. It would seem Freddy's comments are shaped more by the media's coverage then anything else going by comments from others in camp, and I'm not sure he's accomplished anything apart from throwing Latrell to the wolves. What's Latrell actually done apart from have a couple poor games and taken a break that's been planned for months?
Paul
Roar Guru
If Mitchell's injured, physically or mentally, Freddy needs to know that so he can decide on a team. He has every right to be cranky after a really poor effort from Mitchell in game 1. Sure Robinson could call him about the comments, but there's no way that was an SOO quality performance from one of the games current great players. If Mitchell's head is not in the game, surely Easts would want that sorted quickly? Their chances of back to back premierships would take a serious nose dive if he's not totally set to go.
Dave
Guest
I think Latrell is playing with a slightly torn groin. 4 weeks after he scored a try he pulled is groin, came off, then went back on the field. Robinson is justified in defending him not just becuase he is a 'superstar' bit more importantly because he is only 21 years old. Unfortunately Latrell may be in denial about the extent of his groin injury and this is hindering is movement and range. Roosters medical team need to send for scans to be sure. I don't know why he does not treat and rest it, maybe his agent is negotiating his contract? Origin is about big Egos which everyone calls pride and $35k/player and possible inflated contracts compared their club team mates. Now Latrell has gone walkabout, which will hopefully make him introspect and realise that he is part of a team and be more humble, hopefully cronk has a chat with him about this. My issue is with Robinson, he has allowed a 21 y.o player to dictate terms, to keep him happy, out of fear of losing him to another club, what a headache, the hierarchy of control needs to be maintained otherwise Robinson will lose the change room altogether and when this happens he will lose his job.
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Rumour has it that its Latrell unhappy with the roosters. More to come.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Fittler has more important things on his mind. How to win two Origin games to enable NSW to continue their "dynasty" of one solitary series win (LOL).