- NRL superstar Mitchell unhappy over repeated criticism
- He feels like he is being targeted, just like his struggling Rabbitohs.
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is back in the spotlight after he reportedly confronted NRL 360 host and former soccer star Braith Anasta in a Sydney restaurant over alleged personal attacks.
Mitchell, 26, was dining at Chin Chin in the inner Sydney suburb of Surry Hills on Wednesday night when he saw Anasta, who was eating with her family at the same venue.
It is understood Mitchell decided to express his frustrations with the Fox Sports TV identity and player agent in person, believing Anasta is often too personal when conveying his opinions, especially about the Rabbitohs.
The conversation, said to have been lively in nature, continued privately outside, but at no point did it become physical.
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell (pictured with teammate Cody Walker) is back in the spotlight after he reportedly clashed with NRL 360 presenter Braith Anasta.
At Mitchell’s request, the conversation with Anasta (pictured) continued privately, but did not become physical.
Anasta and Mitchell were at Chin Chin in Sydney’s Surry Hills with their respective families on Wednesday night when the confrontation occurred.
It comes as the Rabbitohs previously complained to Fox Sports bosses about the program’s treatment of its star players, including Mitchell.
Speaking recently on NRL 360, Anasta outlined his reasoning as to why Mitchell should not play at fullback.
“If you look at the great fullbacks in our game… they’re there before the play starts,” he said.
‘They get ahead, they move before the ball arrives, they are on their bike.
‘Latrell… gets trapped a lot in defence, he is very rarely in the box at the last second when there is a try or when he has the opportunity to save a try.
Mitchell (pictured with partner Brielle) has been on the end of some Anasta services.
‘That’s where he needs to improve. That comes down to being fit… and being one of those full-backs with a lot of energy. He plays differently.’
Criticism of the Rabbitohs has been relentless in some quarters, with the club sitting 17th in the NRL standings.
They have also won just one game this season: against the Bulldogs in the fourth round.
Mitchell also didn’t do himself or his teammates any favors when he was suspended for three games after slamming his forearm into the face of Warriors gun Shaun Johnson.
And in late April, coach Jason Demetriou was fired after a meeting of the club’s board of directors was called to decide his fate.