Latrell Mitchell has spoken to the media after officially putting pen to paper in a new deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
His new coach Wayne Bennett made his thoughts clear about how great the signing was, particularly considering Mitchell has taken a pay cut from his time at the Roosters.
mushi
Roar Guru
Sure... Still doesn't make an option a promise. Never will despite your ignorant bleating
Paul
Guest
Nick wanted him gone. That’s why he left a meeting in tears after he posted ‘take me back’. It was all over the news. In the end the roosters got what they wanted and do did Souths
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Souths have a history of upgrading contracts to reward players who are improving. Unlike at the Roosters they don't have to come cap in hand or threaten to "explore their options". In the past only Cody Walker got impatient and made noise about a contract upgrade mis-season when he had only just re-signed the season before.
mushi
Roar Guru
The only people "promised" anything under the option are Souths so in reality he signed for another ~100k less as he gave them that value back in the option. If he nails it and is the run away Dally M player of the year then he's still entitled to only 800k, if he doesn't perform then souths can cut him loose and force him to renegotiate for centre money. The timing of the option will be interesting, will other clubs have made their marquee signings by then and Latrell be left with limited suitors at fair value?
mushi
Roar Guru
He's not promised 800k. That isn't how an option works
Henrik Nielsen
Guest
No wonder Souths fans think everyone else is over the cap if they believe this rubbish
Paulie
Guest
If anyone believes he signed for less after the news he was talking to Souths in May I have a bridge for sale in Sydney you may be interested in.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Surely almost no chance of opportunity at fullback (relying on Tedesco getting injured) was the reason why he wanted to look outside the Roosters.
Bruce
Guest
Never be as good as teddy
Big Daddy
Guest
Paul, I'm a bit with you on this. Did he really not want to play for the Roosters or someone from South's has been in his ear to switch camps. Maybe a little bit of both. Deal's done now so I suppose we will never know. The balls in his court now. What intrigued me is that Richardson's no 1 priority was to get Arrow to South's this year then all of a sudden the deal is done. Obviously not getting Arrow has escalated this as at one stage it was going nowhere.
mushi
Roar Guru
Nobel prize winners (well economic prize winners) suggest his management screwed the pooch on the option.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Also, Mitchell is promised $800K in 2021 if he meets Souths expectations and perforns as expected. If he nails the FB position and gives Tedesco a run for his money he can get considerably more than that I would imagine.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah the option is the risk. But he's a proven elite player who is merely looking to move positions (has played there before). Unless there is an elite fullback on the market for 2021 it's unlikely the club won't want to continue with Mitchell.
Nat
Roar Guru
He's got to prove himself as a quality FB first. It's only one season and the option is in the Clubs favour. PS, I think he's an outstanding talent and will be far better by Sept then how he starts ala Holmes at the Sharks in '18.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Reports seem to indicate he will get basically the same money for 2020 & 2021 that he would have across those 2 seasons had he re-signed with the Roosters. Difference is he gets to try and cement himself as an elite fullback, which will make him worth more come 2022.
Paul
Roar Guru
That should kill off speculation about Arrow coming to Souths this season. I'm still wondering what the Roosters did or didn't do, that forced Mitchell into moving to a Club that's a) offering less money and b) probably offering less chance of a Premiership?
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Reported as $600k (plus the $120k from the Roosters so I was assuming $720k) but you are deducting the roosters money. Can you point out where that is reported as I would be interested to read that. Thanks.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Well said Succhi. I agree he handled himself well.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think because it’s the off season, this whole story got much more space than it would have received during a season. It seemed to be mostly media speculation and gossip. I think the guy wanted to play for another club because he felt like he needed a change - he looked around and settled where he felt was right. For a young bloke, I think he has handled himself well.
Reggie13
Roar Rookie
$480k for 2020. Sale of the century!!!