Latrell Mitchell Shares Insights on Past Rejections by NRL Clubs
Latrell Mitchell, the Indigenous rugby league star, has opened up about his early career experiences, revealing that both the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights overlooked him when he was a junior. The 28-year-old, who has appeared on The Hello Sport Podcast, shared these insights during his first podcast appearance in over two years.
Mitchell had previously imposed a media ban after an expletive-laden rant during an interview with Triple M in early 2024. However, he has now broken his silence to discuss various aspects of his life and career.
Knights Were Top Choice, But Not the Only Team to Miss Out
When asked which clubs had rejected him, Mitchell stated, “Well the Knights (were) definitely No.1.” He went on to mention that the Knights were not the only team that missed out on his talent, highlighting other players such as Payne Haas and Hudson Young who also faced similar situations.
Bulldogs Fans Heartbroken by Mitchell’s Claims
Mitchell also revealed that the Bulldogs, despite being a struggling team at the time, did not believe he was good enough to make it to the first grade. This news came as a shock to many Bulldogs fans, who took to social media to express their frustration.
One fan wrote, “Who the f*** was running Newcastle scouting back then?” while another said, “As a Bulldogs fan… I’m so sorry please come back.”
Mitchell’s Current Form and Future Prospects
Despite these past rejections, Mitchell has been in scintillating form this season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. His performances have put him in contention for a spot in the NSW Origin team once again.
However, Mitchell is currently recovering from a back injury and will need to be fit for the Rabbitohs’ Magic Round clash against the Dolphins in Brisbane. Coach Wayne Bennett has expressed confidence in Mitchell’s recovery.
Coach’s Confidence in Mitchell’s Return
Bennett stated, “No, I don’t think he will be in doubt.” He added that Mitchell has been receiving treatment and has responded well to it. “Hopefully, we might have him back next week. But if not, he’ll certainly be right for New South Wales. State of Origin is two and a half weeks away at least, so he’ll certainly be right by then.”
Mitchell’s journey from being overlooked by two major NRL clubs to becoming a key player for the Rabbitohs is a testament to his resilience and talent. As he continues to recover and prepare for the upcoming Origin series, fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the field.
