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Cody Walker has expressed pride in South Sydney teammate Latrell Mitchell and the NRL for their response to online abuse of the Rabbitohs star.
NSW police on Friday arrested a 22-year-old Taree man and a 25-year-old Lake Munmorah man after Mitchell informed the NRL integrity unit he had received numerous offensive and “racially charged” social media messages.
The two men have been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, with both granted bail to appear in NSW courts next month.
Speaking after Friday’s 40-30 win over Gold Coast at CBUS Super Stadium, where the suspended Mitchell watched the game from the stands, Walker said it was an important step to protect players from online trolling.
“I think you sort of have to congratulate Latrell in all of this. He’s such a strong-minded person,” Walker said.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“I’ve never really met a guy as strong-minded as Latrell is. You have to understand that he’s 23 years of age and he’s copped it since he’s been in the game and the way he’s handled himself through these sort of periods is quite a credit to himself.
“And I’m quite proud of the NRL for taking this step and showing that there’s a process in place and it’s quite a big process. Yeah, pretty proud moment.”
Walker switched to fullback in place of the absent Mitchell while veteran Benji Marshall delivered a man-of-the-match display at five-eighth against the Titans.
The Indigenous All Stars captain said he’d been aware of his teammate’s situation throughout the week and hoped the action taken would send a message that there is no place for such abuse.
“It’s what we’ve spoken about for a number of years now. It’s not on in the game, let alone society,” Walker said.
“Can’t believe we’re still talking about it, it’s 2021.
“The beauty of what’s happening now is that they’re taking action which is good, it’s great.”
© AAP
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