Latrell Mitchell’s advisor Matt Rose has contacted NRL boss Andrew Abdo to complain about “personal attacks” against the South Sydney star and raise concerns about his welfare.
Rabbitohs officials gave the under-siege Mitchell the weekend off following a week of turmoil at the club that has revolved largely around the 26-year-old fullback. Mitchell wasn’t at training on Sunday but is expected back on Monday.
Rose, the founder of No Limit Boxing, called Abdo on Sunday afternoon to seek the NRL’s assistance in protecting his close friend after the publication of a leaked text message from the son of South Sydney legend Clive Churchill calling Mitchell an “imposter” and a “cancer” at the club.
It has prompted a stern response from the NRL boss, who called out the personal attacks as a “blight on our game”.
Question marks over Mitchell’s commitment to the Rabbitohs, and a perception of preferential treatment from coach Jason Demetriou, were at the centre of a disagreement that led to assistant coach Sam Burgess leaving the club last week.
A report in the Herald on Sunday detailing a text message heavily critical of Mitchell sent by Rod Churchill to Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas was the tipping point which prompted Rose to call Abdo.
Rose confirmed he had raised concerns with Abdo.
“It’s fair game when someone has an opinion on people playing football, but it’s the personal attacks by certain individuals that needs to be called out and removed from the game,” Rose said.
“It happens too regularly. When we’re talking about the issues that people face on mental health and we advocate on how important they are, then in the same breath we throw all these kids under the bus if they don’t get something right or live up to someone’s standards. It’s unfair.”
The text sent by Churchill, which was sent after Parramatta defeated Souths 36-12 in the NRL’s Indigenous round in May, reads: “Where was the human headline Mitchell tonight Nicholas? Missing again, this was his big game apparently? Your club will not win another comp for another 40 years if this imposter remains at Souths.
Latrell Mitchell in Tamworth last month.Credit: Getty
“He is a complete myth who has the aboriginal cause paramount and south sydney second, if at all. I hope you and family are well. Nothing was done and now this cancer that is Mitchell has ruined the club.”
Mitchell, who will miss this Friday’s crucial clash against the Roosters through suspension, wasn’t at the club’s family day and training session on Sunday. Instead, he was attending an indigenous cultural camp with children in rural NSW.
Mitchell had been granted leave by the club given he is unavailable for this week’s match and that he had not had time off during the bye rounds like most of his teammates.
Abdo leapt to Mitchell’s defence.
“Latrell is a leader in rugby league and one of the greatest players the game has seen in the last decade,” Abdo told the Herald.
“He is popular with fans young and old and has become a household name because he is without doubt one of the game’s superstars. He also gives a tremendous amount to the community off the field.
“He stands up for what he believes in and he makes a positive difference in many people’s lives. The public criticism of Latrell or any player, when it is personal in nature, is a blight on our game. The game is built on respect and a fair go. That’s what I expect from everyone connected with the game.”
Rod Churchill’s comments have put pressure on the NRL to banish him from grand final day, where he is scheduled to present the man of the match award named in his father’s honour.
“We would consider any concerns expressed by the South Sydney club,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity to protect their identity said the Rabbitohs haven’t lodged a complaint to the governing body and want the NRL to act of their own volition.
V’landys echoed Abdo’s sentiment when it came to Mitchell. “It’s time for people to back off Latrell,” V’landys said.
“I have a lot of time for him as a person. He’s a very good human being. He is a role model both in the indigenous community and the rugby league community.
“He’s a champion player and at times people expect too much. We all have an off day. This however, doesn’t give people the right to attack him in such a personal and hurtful way.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.