- Latrell Mitchell has made a social media post in three weeks
- The side under fire is usually very active on social networks.
- Mitchell seems serious about turning his season around
Suspended Souths star Latrell Mitchell appears to have gotten the Rabbitohs’ message if his inactivity on social media is anything to go by, after offering a sincere apology to the team.
Mitchell is currently serving a ban for elbowing Shaun Johnson, following a series of controversies on and off the pitch.
The 26-year-old is usually very active on social media, especially Instagram, but the Rabbitohs full-back hasn’t made a single post in three weeks.
Mitchell’s radio silence comes after he addressed his costly suspension by apologizing to his teammates.
Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell (pictured) has had a tough start to the season and appears focused on turning things around.
Mitchell, who is usually very active on social media, posted the above on Instagram three weeks ago and has not been heard from since.
He also reportedly met with coach Jason Demetriou and chief executive Blake Solly later that day to tell them he was on board.
Two members of Mitchell’s inner circle, his advisor Matt Rose and his agent Wok Wright, reportedly told Mitchell that he should quit the sport if his heart was no longer in it.
Mitchell told the pair he was determined to move on and still had unfinished business in football and with Souths.
News of Mitchell’s apology came less than 24 hours after Phil Gould questioned whether the suspended fullback retained a thirst to play in the NRL.
NRL great Brad Fittler also weighed in to suggest Mitchell should stop fighting battles on social media as they are draining his energy.
Mitchell came under fire for his vocal protests against Spencer Leniu after the Roosters star admitted calling Ezra Mam a ‘monkey’ during the Las Vegas opener last month.
Leniu was suspended for eight games for the racist slur and ARLC boss Peter V’landys warned the Bunnies star for trying to influence a court outcome ahead of the hearing after he posted on Instagram that the NRL ” “You better get this shit done.”
Mitchell also engaged in an exchange with Anthony Mundine on social media about the saga.
Mitchell apologized wholeheartedly to his Souths teammates and told coach Jason Demetriou and chief executive Blake Solly that he fully agreed.
Origin coach Michael Maquire has left the door open for Mitchell to be called up to the Blues.
“It started this year after Las Vegas,” Fittler told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.
‘They got beaten there (by Manly) and it really snowballed from there.
He has been presented as one of the indigenous leaders and I am sure that requires a lot of energy.
‘That’s what happens when you start delving into social media, playing a little bit of your life on social platforms. It takes away a big part of your life.
“You don’t have to touch your social networks: people understand your position regarding the indigenous struggle, and the more and better you play football, the better your message will always be.”
Origin coach Michael Maquire left the door open for Mitchell to be called up for NSW but urged him to be in the right mental space if he wants to be selected.
“Everyone knows Latrell’s capabilities, but it’s about making sure he’s in the right mental space,” Maguire told the media on Tuesday.
‘At the moment, one thing I know is that in big games, you need to concentrate on exactly where you’re going. The Souths are going through a difficult period, but Latrell has the opportunity to hunker down and really help the New South Wales team.
“He’s got a couple more months to get into that shape, but the Origin games are right up there with the most important games of your life.”
“I want to see that focus from all the players, making sure they are in a good mental space and feeling good where they are. That helps the composition of your team.
“We need all of our guys to be playing at their best, including Latrell.”