After months of denial from both parties, it looks as though there is but one stumbling block left before Latrell Mitchell joins South Sydney: money.
However, it’s not his asking price that’s set to be the issue, so much as what the NRL believes the 22-year-old is actually worth.
“A list of earnings of every NRL player will help the game’s salary cap auditor determine Latrell Mitchell’s market value should he accept a cut-price contract from South Sydney,” Pamela Whaley reported this week.
“It’s understood NRL auditor Richard Gardham has final discretion to determine market value using a list of comparative players to reach his decision.”
It’s suggested the Bunnies have $400,000 left in the cap for the 2020 season, which surely isn’t anywhere near the market value of someone who has represented his state and country.
Whaley wrote that the NRL’s reigning top point-scorer for two years in a row would be considered to have a market value similar to the likes of James Tedesco, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tom Trbojevic – all of whom are on around $1 million a season.
So while 400 grand a year is outrageous money for most – and better than the average for a top-30 NRL player – it’s not even half of what a player of Mitchell’s ilk should be paid.
It seems ludicrous that the Bunnies would be allowed to snare one of the finest players in the game for such a price.
But would it be so unfair if they simply matched the deal Mitchell is presently on?
(Matt King/Getty Images)
Last May, NRL.com reported that Mitchell was “set to earn around $550,000 next year” – a number that, at the time, had the centre and his people eager to hit the open market in search of a seven-figure-a-year deal.
As of November 1 these explorations have been played out in public, with the Roosters said to have offered $800,000, while the Tigers were apparently willing to give Mitchell the ‘Vanilli’ he desired.
These offers, combined with what he has achieved on the field, are why auditor Gardham probably would not allow the youngster to sign up elsewhere for a paltry $400K.
However, these offers were for 2021 onwards. Mitchell’s stated value for 2020 is $550,000.
It’s an absolute steal today, but when the Roosters extended the Taree product on that contract in March 2018, he was a 20-year-old with 48 first-grade games and zero rep matches to his name.
The club paid for potential and it reaped dividends. And if people were robots, the Chooks would have held their young superstar for this year – they saw the promise and should likewise see the rewards.
But an unhappy player – even one whose value far outstrips his price – is a detriment to a club, so the Tricolours have all but turned Mitchell loose.
I say all but, because while Mitchell announced on Instagram that his time in Bondi “has come to an end”, the bloke is still receiving his wages from Nick Politis.
And with the NRL financial year starting on November 1, that means the disgruntled dynamo has drawn around $100,000 from his soon-to-be-former club for the 2020 season.
Put that on top of the $400K the cardinal and myrtle have in the bank for him and Mitchell is pretty close to the $550,000 he’s registered for in 2020.
The issue with that, however – as reported in Friday’s Sydney Morning Herald – is that Easts apparently want a refund of the money they’ve paid Mitchell since November if they are to release him to the Rabbitohs.
It’s worth acknowledging that the Herald also reported on Friday that Mitchell is on 700K for this year, although the same publication said in May 2019, “the superstar centre is earning only about $450,000 for the current season. That figures increases by about $100,000 next year”.
As a result, I’m sticking solid with the sum of $550,000 for 2020. Two reliable, unrelated sources reported it eight months ago and why would the Roosters, in the meantime, have upgraded the contract of a player who didn’t agree to an extension – especially one who has been at the centre of constant reports he’s unhappy at the club?
As for where the Bunnies can find the $150,000 they need, well if the Titans continue to hold firm on keeping Jai Arrow for 2020, the moolah required to pay back the Chooks and give Mitchell his NRL-mandated salary is freed up.
Ultimately, this whole mess has come about because Mitchell thinks that he’s worth a million dollars a year. Because he is. And in 2021, the salary cap auditor bloody well better hold firm on that.
But in 2020 Latrell Mitchell’s stated worth is $550,000 and that’s a figure Souths can likely pay.
Roy
Guest
Gamble??? What are you talking about? Easts made him a good offer and he showed no loyalty so the Roosters closed the door on him. Easts still have the best fullback in the world.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Apparently Bennett is repeating what he did with Jai Arrow at the Broncos. He believes in the player but hates to see their career stalled by making them play ressies because they are too far back in the queue. Letting Doueihi go though would be a mistake. His versatility and his utility value is a HUGE plus for a club. I have Doueihi ahead of Burns and Gagai and well ahead of Bryson Goodwin and Corey Allan. Gagai is nowhere near as consistent or as versatile as Doueihi although both are goal kickers. Gagai is also on $200K more than Douiehi which he is not justified by on-field performances and consistency. I just hope Doueihi stays. Richo said that Souths don't need to move players on to accommodate either Latrell Mitchell or Jai Arrow for 2020. I see Corey Allan and Bryson Goodwin as expendable while Dane Gagai is on too much money without consistent performances to warrant keeping him at the club. I'm shocked that Doueihi is "reportedly" on $500K! He should only be on $350K tops at this stage of his career and given his injuries.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Wow, this is a little awkward as I find myself agreeing with both you AND Nat! Doueihi was sensational for the cardinal and myrtle last season and it would be a shame to lose him. Hopefully this IS a false rumour but it's sure getting bandied about in the strangest of places : https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/nrl/how-wild-andrew-fifita-rumour-could-trigger-a-chain-player-swap-in-crazy-nrl-market/news-story/fd871b4b7476faf2ee8780f734542f2e
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Found ir... Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney switch set to force young gun Adam Doueihi out of Redfern https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/latrell-mitchells-south-switch-set-to-force-young-gun-adam-doueihi-out-of-the-burrough/news-story/583b35455c63e95a222397e0a429716c That's a mistake IMO. Doueihi is versatile and a real utility player is a rare asset to and club. Beyond that Doueihi is consistent and improving and always gives 100%. Unlike Dane Gagai who is overpriced at $600K - $700K. Unlike Doueihi, Graham and AJ, Gagai has shown no love for the club and has already played at 3 clubs already. One more will make no difference and he might actually get to play where he wants to on a regular basis. If this news is true I should that Madge will be happy to snap Doueihi up for the Tigers. With their $1 mill war chest that will be the most likely outcome. I really hope that this is just "Fake News" though.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
WHICH young gun? You better not be referring to Campbell Graham. Where is the link for that story Nat?
Nat
Roar Guru
It's started already Paps... Wayne Bennett tells young gun to look for new club as Latrell’s arrival creates backline logjam Of all the players he could have offloaded, ol' coach taps (IMO) your best finals performer from last year. No doubt LM is better but losing quality youngsters whiel keeping AJ, Allen and Gagai won't serve you well in a few years. Not that coach cares, he'll be retired on Rusty money somewhere while Souths struggle with Su'A, Jet, Gags and Lowe.
steve
Guest
South's have lost S.Burgess, G.Burgess, Greg Inglis, John Sutton and Kyle Turner from last years roster. Makes sense they'd have a little free cap space to go around.
David sheehan
Guest
How is it that the Roosters and Souths can get away with this obvious cap rort? Now it’s reported that Souths are after titans forward and the storms winger. Rules for some. Vlandy’s needs to fix this up, and sack Toddles while he’s standing.
steve
Guest
You mean like Angus Chrichton did with the Bunnies? Get over it.....players change clubs every day
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Roberts would be far more dangerous playing in the back 3 IMO and running the ball more often in space. He is too easily contained in the centres and isn't big enough or strong enough to impose himself on the opposition defensive line. I can only imagine how dangerous he could be trailing big forwards looking for an offload with space and room to move in the middle third. At present only "the Fox" is faster than "the Jet" in the NRL so he could do a lot of damage through the middle third. According to stories today, Latrell Mitchell was promised first shot at FB but he might start the season elsewhere until he has proven his fitness and has settled in. Personally, I would play Graham and Douiehi in the centres if Mitchell gets moved to FB. I would then play Roberts and AJ on the wings. Unless AJ is moved on instead of Gagai. Bennett will probably end up using Douiehi as a utility player off the bench and play Braidon Burns and James Roberts in the centres with AJ and Gagai on the wings. I fear Campbell Graham might be the loser in this IF both Gagai and AJ remain at the Rabbitohs. I would make Graham a priority over Gagai, Burns and AJ. AJ's best position is left wing and I still think he could be a leading try scorer in the NRL if he plays there this year outside Latrell Mitchell. AJ has spent more time playing FB or being out injured than playing on the left wing in recent years. He needs the opportunity to get back to his best playing in his best position. I hope he gets it. Just as long as Campbell Graham isn't a casualty in the process.
Nat
Roar Guru
Ol coach would never have 'guaranteed' a posiiton for anyone back in the day but it's a futile promise anyway, it's a one year contract with an option in their favour. If he's not improving at FB, make him play center or ... Get used to Jet at RC, ol' coach will never move him on.
Ado
Guest
Good luck LM. Have fun with Souffs. You will be forever remembered as nothing more than a mercenary who abandoned the club who gave you the opportunity and has made you the player you are. Not to mention the fact you’ll be on a quarter MIL less this year than had you accepted the Roosters original offer. And how’s Rep footy looking LM? Can’t see you ever tossing DallyM winner Tedesco ever from NSW and Kangaroos as fullback. So well done mate, nice job.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Many people aren't NRL players. You can't compare average person to a professional NRL player
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Sam swears he grabbed Chambers' thigh. How could he have known that the coconuts had dropped lower than he had any right to expect? I guess they were ripe for picking. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Albo
Roar Rookie
Those Broncos players just don't like playing in the daylight ! All Broncos are nocturnal from years of FTA Friday night programming. See what happens to them when they have to play afternoon finals matches in the sunshine.
mushi
Roar Guru
It is at redfern
mushi
Roar Guru
Agreed. Though the NRL do have a requirement for it not to be substantially below market value, because everyone keeps cooking the books. It's the "this is why you can't have nice things" rule
mushi
Roar Guru
His goal kicking is below average at mid 70s percents. I can only assume that the roosters persevered with it as a development tool. Given the roosters had the highest # of long range tries that probably inflated his stats. I can't see the bunnies turning the kicking tee over to him. though I'd like to :)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Cook needs Souths forwards to lay a platform from which Cookie can attack a broken or fatigued defensive line. Liam Knight and Cam Murray can't do it on their own this year. That is why Jai Arrow is badly needed in 2020. Cook needs to continue to show patience and pick his moments and his forwards need to give him plenty of decoy options and genuine hole running efforts to help Cook expose defensive weaknesses. If either Latrell Mitchell, AJ, Doueihi or Edene Gebbie can inject themselves into the backline from FB and through the middle of the field trailing Souths forwards looking for offloads that will open the game for Cody Walker and Reynolds as well as Cook. Make no mistake, Cody Walker CANNOT go MIA and Adam Reynolds MUST rediscover his running game in 2020!!!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Fair point. Souths didn't "make" Inglis great. They just helped GI to showcase his greatness... mostly with highlights against the Roosters. ;-)