'Falling into place': New mindset driving Latrell's premiership charge
- Author
- Timestamp
South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell is ready to translate off-field stability into premiership success as he prepares to end a four-year wait to play finals football.
Mitchell will take centre-stage on Friday night when he plays his first finals game since the 2022 preliminary final as the Rabbitohs host Newcastle in a sudden-death showdown.
It's been an eventful four years for the South Sydney star, who has battled a string of injuries on the field at the same time he has become increasingly comfortable with his status as an Indigenous leader.
Latrell Mitchell returns for the Rabbitohs
Mitchell's maturity was on display this week when he fronted the media in the lead up to Friday's elimination final and reflected on the challenges he's faced throughout his career.
"My advice to any young fella coming through is that adversity is always going to be there and challenges are always going to be faced," Mitchell said. "It's just the way you come out of it [that matters].
"The moments I've had in my time and my career and what I've learned, they're just lessons, they're not losses. For me moving forward, I've lived probably a lot more experiences than most older men, so for me, it is what it is.
"I love what I'm doing, I love the team, and everything's just falling into place. I'm just cruising along now and I just want to play footy and have fun."
Match: Rabbitohs v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
It's hard to believe it's been a decade since Mitchell made his NRL debut as a fresh-faced 18-year-old for the Roosters in 2016.
It quickly became clear the youngster was destined for superstardom and it didn't take long for Mitchell to deliver on his potential.
A NSW debut came in 2018, with his first Kangaroos jumper coming later that season and he helped set up the winning try in the 2019 grand final to secure his second NRL premiership.
Tedesco finishes blindside raid by Roosters
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, however. Mitchell has long been one of the most polarising figures in the game and was not afraid to speak his mind earlier in his career.
His outspoken personality drew criticism from some fans, prompting the centre to step out of the spotlight in the past few years.
A country boy from the NSW mid-north coast, Mitchell has found peace on his farm in Taree where he hopes to one day raise his four children.
"Coming from a small town, Taree, footy was everything," Mitchell said. "It was the only way I got out of town and created a dream and everything that I wanted to achieve.
"For me, it's just going back to that and never forgetting that young fella who was running around with his brothers, fighting around, carrying on, and having a laugh. That's what it was about back then, and I just want to carry that on to the big stage, keep that feel, and just be there for your mates and help them out."
While the farm is Mitchell's happy place, he's just as confident taking centre-stage under the bright lights of a rugby league field.
In many ways it's the place the centre is most comfortable. The bigger the stage, the better Mitchell performs.
The centre's South Sydney teammates repeatedly talk of his aura and they can instantly feel the energy he brings to a game.
Rabbitohs v Knights: Finals Week 1
It's no surprise the Rabbitohs have found their stride since the centre returned to the field a fortnight ago and he's provided the confidence boost needed to make a deep run through the finals.
"When I first signed at this club, he was one of the first boys to keep in contact with me on the phone," forward David Fifita said. "Just to be with him, you know, he's a special talent, Latrell.
"It hasn't been ideal with the injuries but he's finding his way at the right time. I've got nothing but love for Latrell. He's like a big brother. He gets me, I get him."
After 27 epic rounds, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. The Rabbitohs need your support as they chase premiership glory. Click here to secure your seats and get behind your team.
