How 150kg-plus Shaquai Mitchell went from playing Central Coast second grade to Sydney Roosters’ top squad
IF you thought Latrell Mitchell made a stunning arrival in the NRL, well, get a load of the meteoric rise of his giant big brother.
IF you thought Latrell Mitchell made a stunning arrival in the NRL, well, get a load of the meteoric rise of his giant big brother.
Proving he also has the potential to match his massive 150kg-plus frame, Shaquai Mitchell has now joined the Sydney Roosters’ star centre in the reigning premiers’ top 30-man squad for 2019.
And this is despite playing mostly lower grades on the Central Coast this year.
Shaquai has been long regarded as a super talent himself, coming through the junior rep system playing alongside Latrell in the Roosters’ SG Ball premiership-winning side in 2014 before the brothers moved into the Tricolours’ under 20s team, with only a year separating them in age.
But although he was always on the radar, what makes Shaquai’s arrival so unexpected is that the 22-year-old spent most of this year playing second grade for Wyong in the Central Coast Rugby League Competition.
In fact, he managed less than a handful of games in local first grade, which is the tier below NSW Cup, and a mighty step away from the NRL.
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As a result, it is fair to say his naming in the Roosters’ top 30-man squad last week surprised many who have monitored Shaquai’s recent development on the Coast.
With a lot of NRL clubs saying the game is leaving monster forwards behind, the Roosters obviously think there is still a place for the big boppers.
Even allowing for his size and talent, the challenge Shaquai will have to confront in the heat of summer will be cutting it physically in what is undoubtedly one of the most demanding sporting competitions in the world.
Wyong’s first grade coach Tony Clarke told The Daily Telegraph ability won’t be the issue for Shaquai.
“It is just his endurance and aerobic ability that is holding him back at the moment,” Clarke said.
“But he tries as hard as he can.
“He would be one of the most talented kids I have seen.
“And he is a terrific young man who has started a family.”
Clarke said the last he heard Shaquai went up to the Gold Coast for an NFL trial after finishing his commitments for Wyong in September.
But now his NRL dream is well and truly alive.
While getting selected in the top 30 squad does not guarantee Shaquai will get to play alongside Latrell in the NRL next season, it puts him in an enviable position.
Along with getting a pretty handy minimum pay, NRL guidelines stipulate clubs must use top 30 players before calling on others in the junior development program when injuries arise.
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Originally published as How 150kg-plus Shaquai Mitchell went from playing Central Coast second grade to Sydney Roosters’ top squad