The long-running saga over Latrell Mitchell’s NRL future has come to an end, with the representative centre confirming he has left the Sydney Roosters. He is set to be announced as a South Sydney Rabbitohs player in the coming days.
Mitchell’s future has been up in the air for several weeks despite being under contract with the Roosters for 2020.
However, the 22-year-old today confirmed his departure from the club via an Instagram post, thanking the side he won two premierships with, as well as his fans and teammates.
“Firstly I want to thank the Sydney Roosters for everything they have done for me and my family,” the post read.
“I can not describe the way I feel right now but just wanted to let everyone know involved in my career through my stint here, I am so very grateful for you all…
“Nothing has been made official as of yet. But my stay at the Roosters has come to an end. Onto the next chapter wherever that may be.”
The Roosters granted Mitchell leave before the start of their pre-season training, and a deal with Souths is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The Rabbitohs had tabled a one-year deal worth $400,000 to Mitchell but it’s unclear if Gold Coast’s reluctance to allow forward Jai Arrow to join Souths in 2020 has allowed the Redfern-based club to increase their offer.
Before any announcement is made official, Mitchell’s move needs ratifying by the NRL’s salary cap auditor Richard Gardham.
The Roosters are also expected to ask for the $116,000 they have paid Mitchell since November to be returned to them, the Sydney Morning Herald reports, in another stumbling block to the move.
Gardham has announced he’ll use the earnings of every player in the competition to determine Mitchell’s market value with the Souths deal far less than the reported $1 million per season he was offered by Wests Tigers and a withdrawn $800,000 per year deal from the Roosters.
With AAP
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Strong rumours Souffs have got Ado Carr. So they've bought Latrell and Arrow and possibly Ado. In the process looking to offload local junior Douehi, who was one of the best players in last year's finals. So much for pride, soul and spirit. Crowe has finally learnt pragmatics win premierships, not pride in local juniors.
Chilli
Roar Rookie
Best winger in the game is Ado Carr
Albo
Roar Rookie
Your number one criteria for a winger is very "old school" and was applicable to the era that created old time wing legends like Ken Irvine, Johnny King and the like. But all the modern day flankers who are in demand today by all NRL Clubs, now need to "munch a lot of tough metres" out of defence to give their teams good starts to their sets. Like Fergo & Tupou & Oates, they need to be big and powerful for 80 minutes, otherwise they are regarded as just "speedy squibs" who can score the odd try, but as such, are easy to justify offloading whenever the cap needs room for a new star, as sounds like the case that is brewing at Redfern right now.
Chilli
Roar Rookie
Different style of winger mate and to be fair this metre munching winger thing is relatively new to the “prototype” of a modern day flank. Johnstone raw speed goes a long way to grabbing back some metres off kick offs similar to how young Ryan Pappasomething does at the storm with the Fox. Just different styles is all but the number one criteria for a winger will always be catch, run and finish and he does that extremely well.
Albo
Roar Rookie
He may be able to finish off some tries, but wingers these days also have a priority role to do 20 hit ups eating up 200 metres a match coming out of defence, to be worth a serious NRL winger's contract. Refer to Fergo, Tupou, Oates, Maumalo, types. That role would not be a suitable for an Alex Johnson and that's why they are looking to offload him.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
So not taking an offer makes somebody a massive flog?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Nah. Firstly it's nothing alike. Secondly, what player managers are considered ethical? Most people consider them all scum, but you are just happy to say Mitchell is the issue here.
Footy Fan
Guest
What a large load of cobblers. They want him out and are shopping him whetever they can. Not fullback, nor winger, but left-right-out. Plus Gagai, too.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"Just remember, .....it's not a lie if you believe it!" [Costanza,1995] :laughing:
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Imagine how good he will be when we get him to 15% effort.
Insider
Roar Rookie
And dirtiest, that’s pride
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
I have never been impressed with Mitchell. I think he’s always been a bum and always will be. I’m happy for him to be playing for anybody other than the team I support. 90% of the time he’s snoozing in a hammock.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
You do make a very good point.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Latrell has reportedly been taking advice from Anthony Mundine. Anthony reckoned he was a better five eighth than Fittler & being aboriginal was the reason he was overlooked for rep selection. Perhaps Robbo should have moved Tedesco so Latrell could play fullback. Robbo a smart operator. Hopefully Mitchell won't develop an ego like his advisor.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Sorry but Gagai is one of the worst players to play NRL that gets picked for QLD. He wouldn't get a run at Dapto
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Not sure why you bring up the Dragons, perhaps you just have a massive chip on your shoulder. I don't see the Dragons being contenders under Mary but that doesn't change the situation at the Rabbitohs. They are ok without being anything special. Top 4 aspirations are deluded
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I think he has been listening to Gordon Gekko's "Greed is Good" mantra a little much. Pretty soon NO club will want to touch him. If this mess isn't sorted soon then I would rather Souths pulled the deal from the table and leave Latrell out in the cold with no lifelines left.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"Mitchell knows you’ve got the cash now if Arrow stays at the GC so open the chq book Rusty…" ....absolutely! (Good to see you Nat. Hope your Broncs are taking exceptional care of Fifita - we want him in good nick for 2021 mate!) ;)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Ah, but they have all played at least one game of first-grade boys. Hence first-graders. ;-)
steveng
Roar Rookie
This is great news if Latrell will join the Bunnies in 2020 but, lets see how good Lateral really is at FB? 2020 will be his big test!