Latrell Mitchell has spoken to the media for the first time in over a year, declaring his love for South Sydney, the NSW Blues, and why he wanted to support good mate Campbell Graham ahead of his 150th NRL game.
The Rabbitohs superstar has been in devastating form over the past month, including a barnstorming try against Newcastle on the weekend, and spoke to coach Wayne Bennett last week about ending the media ban that has been in place for more than a year.
Graham and skipper Cameron Murray were listed for media duties on Tuesday, only for Mitchell to make a surprise appearance in front of the cameras at Souths training.
“Welcome to ‘TrellaVision,’ ” Mitchell said.
When pressed why he had decided to talk, Mitchell said: “I’m here for ‘Stretchy’ [Graham]. Big Campbell plays 150 this week, he’s one of my great mates, and I’m very proud of him.
“It’s a special occasion this week. I only want to talk on special occasions, and Stretch is that. The full focus is on the team. I love every single one of them [my teammates]. They’ve got their different traits and personalities, I connect with a lot of them.
“Campbell has been a really good teammate to me for a very long time, so I thought what better time to come out and have a yarn.”
Mitchell was asked about the photograph of him standing over a white substance inside a Dubbo hotel room towards the end of the 2024 season, which later led to club and NRL sanctions, but did not comment.
The 28-year-old preferred to talk about how happy he was in his life and the performances of his Rabbitohs side, who host Cronulla at Accor Stadium on Saturday and have the roster to push deep into the finals.
“I’m happy to be here, you can tell by the smile on my face,” Mitchell said. “I have a great family at home, a good circle, and that’s all that matters. I’ll keep playing footy and having fun.
“With my family, I have to be a leader there, and be a role model for my kids. It’s all about giving back to them and showing them [how] you need to keep doing what you’re doing, don’t kick stones, and get on with your job.”
Mitchell is off contract at the end of 2027, the season before the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL, and when he first appeared, there was a feeling he was about to confirm he had extended his deal, especially given his agent Warwick “Wok” Wright was present at Souths’ Maroubra training base earlier in the day.
Regardless, Mitchell has no plans to leave Souths and joked he had never heard of the Chiefs.
When told it would be hard to see him play in any other colours, he said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. South Sydney is where it’s at.”
Mitchell joked he is keen to return to the Origin arena, backed Graham to nail down a wing spot, and praised him for the way he always got on with the job.
As for the weekend try when he trampled over Knights captain Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell said: “‘KP’ threw the kitchen sink at me. He’s the king of ‘Newy’, I thought, ‘You know what, here it is, there’s an opportunity.’ He threw everything at me. I felt it when I was on the ground.”
Souths will be boosted by the return of Ashton Ward (ankle), who will wear the No. 7 jersey against Cronulla, while Jye Gray (shoulder) has been named to start at fullback. Mitchell said he had approached Bennett in the off-season about a potential return to the centres, which ended any debate about Gray playing in the custodian role.
“I approached Wayne and told him I want to be a team player,” Mitchell said. “I would play front row for him.”
One of Mitchell’s good friends, Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes, will play his 100th game for the Sharks.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
