A Rising Star in the NRL
Latrell Mitchell has firmly established himself as one of the most formidable attacking threats in the history of the National Rugby League (NRL). His combination of incredible strength, elite agility, and exceptional playmaking abilities has made him a standout player throughout his time with the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. However, his journey to success was not without its challenges.
Overcoming Early Doubts
Mitchell recently shared an intriguing story on the Hello Sport Podcast, revealing that two NRL clubs dismissed him as a junior. One of those clubs even told him he would never make it to the NRL. “Well, Knights definitely number one,” Mitchell said with a laugh when asked which clubs rejected him as a young player. “Especially only being an hour up the road, you know what I mean. They’ve done it to a few lads, Payne Haas, Hudson Young, there’s a few, but anyway, we won’t go there.”
Mitchell grew up in Taree, located on the NSW Mid North Coast, which is within a short drive of Newcastle. He played for the Taree Red Rovers during his junior years before joining Taree City’s under-18s team in Group 3 Rugby League. “Them and I went and trialed for the Doggies, and they said I’d never play rugby league, or NRL,” Mitchell added. “Not to me, but I know they said it in an email to somebody, so we won’t go there.”
From Junior Trials to NRL Success
Despite these early setbacks, Mitchell continued to pursue his dream. He moved to the Sydney Roosters to join their SG Ball side and worked his way through the club’s junior pathway system. His hard work paid off when he made his NRL debut in 2016 at just 18 years old. In his first season, he played 24 games, scored 14 tries, and accumulated 80 points, finishing as the Roosters’ top try and point-scorer for the year.
A Stellar Career and Future Prospects
Mitchell’s career has only continued to flourish. He has represented his country and state multiple times, earning a place in the NSW Blues squad for the upcoming State of Origin series. His performance as an outside back has been impressive, and he is now in contention for the left centre position.
Blues coach Laurie Daley is set to announce his final selection on Monday morning ahead of the highly anticipated clash in Sydney on May 27. For Bulldogs fans, this news may be particularly bittersweet, given Mitchell’s achievements and the two premierships he has won.
The Road Ahead
As Mitchell prepares for the next chapter of his career, his story serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance and determination. From being overlooked by certain clubs to becoming a key player in the NRL, his journey highlights the importance of belief in oneself and the ability to turn rejection into motivation. With his talent and work ethic, there’s no doubt that Mitchell will continue to make an impact on the field for years to come.
