Latrell Mitchell stands tall as Roosters down Rabbitohs

He’s come under criticism for his lack of involvement but Latrell Mitchell scored his first win as an NRL player during the Roosters 17-10 triumph over Souths.

NRL Rd 6 - Rabbitohs v Roosters

Latrell Mitchell has enormous talent, but he only chooses to use it when he thinks it’s needed.

These were the words of Roosters coach Trent Robinson when Matthew Johns asked him about Mitchell’s prospects in the game when he was carving up the Under 20s ranks last season.

It was a fair assessment from Robinson at the time and one that’s proven to be correct throughout the Roosters’ record run of losses.

But, Robbo, on Friday your young fullback was in the moment – big time.

In fact, it only took four minutes for Mitchell to sound his intentions.

The Bunnies’ pack started proceedings full of steam, led by big Sam Burgess and barnstorming fullback Greg Inglis.

Souths forced repeated line drop outs on the Roosters, but Mitchell was positioned well and played tough.

It was clear intent from the young fullback that laid the perfect platform for the chooks.

In the proceeding set the Roosters ran and tackled as though their lives depended on it and from there they never looked back.

Queensland representative Aidan Guerra shifted from the back-row to five-eighth, but still made the unforgiving carries like a forward.

Skipper Jake Friend was at his brilliant best from dummy half, consistently testing the Bunnies’ with his speed and smarts.

Then what about Dylan Napa?! - talk about a man on a mission.

Napa was outstanding for the Roosters, particularly in the opening exchanges, when he didn’t take a backwards step against Sam Burgess.

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It was only fitting that Napa was rewarded with a try in the second half to extend the Roosters’ lead out to 12 points.

But as Mitchell showed with his classy performance from fullback, including a period late in the match where he fought through cramps to play on, it wasn’t just the Roosters’ experienced men who aimed up.

Halfback Jackson Hastings delivered a controlled performance on the back of saying earlier in the week: “I think our start to the season is shaping us as men.”

Wise words from a rookie half, but that’s the positive impact a losing streak in the NRL can have on our emerging stars.

Like in the 12th minute when Hastings calmly kicked under pressure for winger Daniel Tupou to score and later kicked the match sealing field goal.

Of course winning your first game of the season is important, but this match meant so much more to the Roosters.

The tricolours were playing to avoid the club’s worst start to a season in 50 years, when the ’66 Roosters failed to win a single match.

Mitchell played tough in the 17-10 victory.

Members from that side like Kevin Junee will be proud following the committed display from the current crop of chooks.

But if anyone bleeds red, white and blue it’s Nick Politis.

Politis arrived back from an overseas business trip on Friday to see his beloved Roosters return to where they belong– back in the winner’s circle.

The long-serving Roosters’ chairman is so passionate about the Bondi-based club he has a 2002 premiership tattoo on his arm.

Prop Sam Moa certainly understands his chairman’s love for the club, as he discovered alongside his teammates earlier this year.

“Nick just told us to stick together,” Moa revealed.

“He knows there are times when you are going to have tough moments, but we’d hit back.”

Just like they did on Friday, led by young Mitchell who was in the moment from the opening whistle to record his first win as an NRL footballer.

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell stands tall as Roosters down Rabbitohs