South Sydney royalty Rod Churchill calls Latrell Mitchell a ‘cancer’ on the club

An embarrassment, a myth and a cancer, are just some of the words used to describe Latrell Mitchell in this savage performance review from the son of a South Sydney legend.

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell.

The son of South Sydney legend Clive Churchill has launched an extraordinary attack on struggling superstar Latrell Mitchell, describing him as an embarrassment.

Rod Churchill spoke to your columnist and colleague Dean Ritchie to deliver the harshest spray on the Rabbitohs, NSW and Kangaroos fullback/centre.

“If you look at it objectively, he’s been very disappointing and just hasn’t delivered,” Churchill said.

“In fact some weeks he’s been an embarrassment to the No.1 jersey.

“I think he’s overrated. And sometimes I wonder if he cares enough. It’s a fact that he’s being paid as a marquee player but hasn’t stepped up when required.”

It gets even heavier.

In a text message to Souths chairman Nick Pappas, that this masthead has seen, Churchill describes Latrell as a ‘myth’ and a “cancer’ on the club.

Churchill’s comments are a shock in that he is a humble man normally reluctant to criticise anyone in rugby league, especially at his dad’s famous old club.

This time he just couldn’t hold himself back.

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has copped a spray from Rod Churchill.

“Latrell’s been at Souths since 2020 and either through injury or silly suspensions or not turning up on the day, he hasn’t delivered much,” Churchill said.

“The publicity around him is out of control for what he’s done. Seriously. And I’m talking from my heart.

“My dad was involved in 10 premierships and we love the club.”

Souths boss Blake Solly has hit back at the remarks.

“I completely disagree with Rod and the comments are unfortunate,” Solly said.

“Our club has always had the utmost respect for the Churchill family and Clive’s enormous contribution to the Rabbitohs.

“But on these comments I completely disagree with Rod.

“Twelve months ago everyone in the game was marvelling at Latrell’s performance against the Roosters in a sudden-death semi-final.

“He has just been nominated for an NRL leadership award. Latrell’s passion and commitment to the club is also unquestionable.”

South Sydney CEO Blake Solly has rejected Churchill’s criticism of Mitchell. Picture: Julian Andrews

Churchill says he’s disappointed around the treatment of club legend and assistant coach Sam Burgess, who quit during the week, unable to work with coach Jason Demetriou.

“If you believe the explanations from Blake Solly and Jason Demetriou at their press conference the other day, you’d believe in the tooth fairy,” he said.

“Sam Burgess is the only one to call it for what it is. And he’s been shown the door. I can’t understand it.

“He only said what a lot of ex-Souths players believe, that Latrell hasn’t aimed up.”

Churchill has long had Indigenous connections with South Sydney players.

“I grew up with Kevin Longbottom and Eric Simms,” he said.

“And then Greg Inglis.

“They were great fullbacks.

“That’s why it’s hard to be so critical of Latrell. I admire all ­Indigenous players.”

Churchill was also critical of how the Rabbitohs handled the departure of Sam Burgess. Picture: Julian Andrews

Churchill will again be at Accor Stadium on grand final night to hand out his dad’s medal, the most prestigious award in rugby league for the best player on the field.

He’s disappointed the Rabbitohs have capitulated this year and are highly unlikely to be there.

Still, he’ll be closely watching next Friday’s knockout game against the Roosters and cheering for the Rabbitohs.

“I always think back to Latrell leaving the Roosters,” Churchill said.

“Nick Politis and Trent Robinson are really smart guys.

“Latrell was outstanding at their club. He won comps and played for Australia. And then they got rid of him. There’s got to be an underlying reason why.”

Originally published as South Sydney royalty Rod Churchill calls Latrell Mitchell a ‘cancer’ on the club