NRL 2023: Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly fires back at Phil Gould over Latrell Mitchell criticism

Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly has leapt to the defence of Latrell Mitchell, after Bulldogs boss Phil Gould claimed the Souths star is yet to prove himself on the big stage.

Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly has defended Souths star Latrell Mitchell after copping some criticism from Phil Gould. Picture: Getty Images.

South Sydney boss Blake Solly has hit back at suggestions from Canterbury head of football Phil Gould that Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell is yet to stand up on the big stage.

Solly, whose club will take on Cronulla in Perth on Saturday night, pointed out that Mitchell had won two grand finals and been an integral part of the NSW sides that have won State of Origin series in recent years.

He hasn’t been able to get South Sydney over the hump, but Solly is confident that day is fast approaching as the Rabbitohs make a charge towards the finals.

Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly has defended Souths star Latrell Mitchell after copping some criticism from Phil Gould. Picture: Getty Images.

“I think Latrell’s track record speaks for itself,” Solly said.

“He has won Origin series, he has won two grand finals, he has won a World Cup. We have no doubt that he can and will perform on the big stage.

“To be honest, Phil Gould’s criticism of other clubs is becoming tiresome. We will just get on with making the rest of the season as successful as it can be.

“We believe in our squad and coaches to deliver success.”

Gould’s public questioning of Mitchell’s ability to deliver Souths a premiership comes a week after he poured doubt on Brisbane’s capacity to win the title.

Solly says Latrell’s record speaks for itself, having won two grand finals with the Roosters. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Meanwhile, Gould’s own club Canterbury is languishing near the bottom of the ladder and in the midst of a dramatic overhaul of their playing roster.

The Bulldogs football boss and Nine commentator has angered a number of clubs and head office with his public commentary this season, prompting NRL boss Andrew Abdo to meet Canterbury executives to discuss the matter.

Abdo has asked Gould to tone down his criticism of the governing body. However, he has no power over Gould’s ability to pour scorn on rival clubs and Souths - and Mitchell - have become the latest targets.

“Latrell is good,” Gould said on Channel 9’s 100% Footy.

“When the ball falls Latrell’s way he is a powerful runner, he makes people miss, he has some trick shots, he has some long passes, but Latrell hasn’t done it at the business end of the season,

“Souths haven’t done it at the business end of the season. I don’t think they are anywhere near in premiership-winning form at the moment - not even in the same postcode.

Gould was critical of Latrell Mitchell, suggesting he is still yet to deliver on the NRL’s big stage. Picture: Getty Images.

“He has these brilliant individual moments and he loves all this - he loves the crowds, he loves being out there in the country. It’s all great.

“Put him on the big stage in front of 50,000 in a preliminary final and he hasn’t done it yet. That is where he has to do it. He still has to do that part of it and he hasn’t done it yet.”

Gould tempered his doubt of Mitchell’s capacity to lead Souths to a premiership with praise of his ability.

“Latrell is an outstanding footballer, he is as good a talent as you will see in the game, but he has to get in the grind on the big day against the best teams when they are having their best day, and still be able to beat them,” he said.

“At the moment he hasn’t done that. He can beat anyone at any time, he can tear sides apart but when the good teams are having their best day, I want to see South Sydney get it done then.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Rabbitohs boss Blake Solly fires back at Phil Gould over Latrell Mitchell criticism