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Latrell Mitchell is one of the most combative players in the NRL, with a unique ability to draw love and hate from both opponents and fans.
But as much as he relishes that contest, he knows he has blokes with him on the field ready to back him up – unlike some of his mates, who compete in the boxing ring.
Even so, Latrell has opened up on his love of boxing and his chats with some of Australia’s best, whom he knows through his long-time association with No Limit Boxing and the Rose brothers who run it: former NRL star George, plus Trent and Matt.
Given the pathway that has led the likes of Paul Gallen into the sport, Latrell admitted that a second career in the boxing ring might appeal to him in the future.
“As soon as I learn how to throw a punch – hopefully if I do that and don’t get ten weeks for it we’ll go from there!” he joked when asked at the press conference to celebrate No Limit’s landmark deal with Fox Sports/Kayo, which will see the TV and streaming network broadcast the likes of Tim Tszyu, brother Nikita and ex-Olympian Harry Garside.
“Matty (Rose) has been buttering me up a little bit but you have to train to be able to do it. In footy, we get people to rely on, to help you out on the field. But when you’re in the ring you’re by yourself – it’s a different mindset.
“It could be challenging and competitive, which I like to be, and it could be something in the future maybe.”
Mitchell was spotted in the promo ring shadowing boxing with Nikita Tszyu and prospect Paulo Aokuso, and explained that the individual battle aspect was what drew him towards boxing.
“It’s that challenge,” he explained. “Thinking ‘righto, I’ve got you in front of me now’. It’s like when I play footy, I look at the other fullback and the other centre and you pick them one-on-one battles.
“But you only get four walls here and you have to run hard, throw punches and do what you gotta do, bust a gut for the bell.”
He was also on hand to support the Rose brothers, who have supported him in his footy career and helped to organise the Walgett Aboriginal Connection team, for who Mitchell starred in the Koori Knockout.
“The boys are good,” said Latrell. “I come along to a lot of events with the Rose boys because I love being part of their journey and what they’ve been able to achieve over the last few years.
“It’s a massive achievement what they’ve been able to set into concrete with this deal with Fox Sports. They’re the best boxing company in the world and George sees himself as the best promoter in the world.
“Being among that and supporting it is very enjoyable. We’re family and that connection is one I’ll have for a lifetime. They’ve been on my journey with my footy career and been able to open doors that I never thought I would be able to, and got my foot into some stuff that has been really beneficial for myself.”
The Souths and Kangaroos fullback is currently resting after a gruelling season that ended just a few weeks ago with a World Cup win in Manchester, and said he was enjoying taking time out while watching the rest of the Bunnies get stuck into pre-season training.
“I’m waving at them, but they’ll get the last laugh,” he laughed. “I’ll get back and I’ll be blowing. I’m just trying to keep the weight off while enjoying my holidays and having a rest.
“We had a disrupted season with injury costing most lads so it was up and down with a lot of new blood in. They’re telling me it’s the best we’ve trained and had everyone fit before Christmas and they reckon it’s enjoyable. I can’t wait to go back, to have that goal to be top four and get those opportunities.
“The body is still aching from being over there for six or seven weeks and playing those games. It’s been a massive year, so I want to enjoy the break and then get back into training.
“I’ve been getting sunburned since I got back, I never got sunburned in my life before. I’m enjoying country life – it’s something I looked forward to it when I was away for seven weeks so it’s good to be back.
“I was wanting to achieve something, to get in that Kangaroos side, get that jersey and wear it with pride. We wanted to get back to number one, we did that and we’ve shown why.”