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Two-time Sydney Roosters premiership player and NSW State of Origin representative Latrell Mitchell is weighing up a move to play rugby union.
Mitchell is currently looking for a new home after knocking back an extension from the Roosters. Although contracted at Sydney for another season, it’s understood the club wants him to find a new home immediately.
He had been linked to a move to the Wests Tigers however it’s now understood that the Tigers have withdrawn their offer, having grown frustrated with negotiations.
The Gold Coast Titans currently appear Mitchell’s most likely destination with the potential departure of Jai Arrow to South Sydney perhaps making room for them to offer him a lucrative deal.
However this most recent news suggests Mitchell could go in a different direction and instead swap codes to play rugby union, with an eye on becoming a regular for the Wallabies.
The New South Wales representative – who was dropped from the Origin side after one match this year – would presumably be most likely to land at the Waratahs.
The deal, if done, could be a major coup for Rugby Australia, who are badly in need of a good news story after a frustrating and controversial year.
The Wallabies’ overall performance at the Rugby World Cup was poor; ultimately knocked out in the quarter-finals by England, leading to the immediate departure of coach Michael Cheika.
Rugby Australia also faces ongoing controversy over the departure of Israel Folau following his continued posting of homophobic material on social media earlier this year.
Folau recently opened a new $14 million lawsuit against the organisation.
They are also in the midst of negotiations over their next broadcast deal after Fox Sports recently withdrew a five-year offer, with a move to Optus known to be a possibility.
Landing a highly-rated talent in Mitchell won’t make these problems go away, but could provide a beacon of hope for fans as they endure a rocky transition into a new era.
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