Latrell Mitchell signs two-year deal with South Sydney Rabbitohs

Latrell Mitchell is a Rabbitoh. The NRL’s most talked about contract has finally been confirmed with the former Roosters superstar putting pen to paper today.

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The NRL’s most talked about contract has finally been confirmed with Latrell Mitchell signing a two-year deal with South Sydney.

Having knocked back South Sydney’s first official offer on Friday, Mitchell agreed to become a Rabbitoh after receiving an upgraded deal worth an estimated $1.4 million.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs confirm the signing of Latrell Mitchell on a two-year contract. Picture: Rabbitohs

Speaking to the media after the announcement, Mitchell said he couldn’t express how thankful he was to the Roosters, and he was looking forward to getting into training with his new team mates.

Mitchell wouldn’t confirm if he would be playing fullback for the Rabbitohs in 2020, but said he would look forward to the challenge.

“I’ve always come up as a fullback, I was never a centre so the chance to play fullback would be exciting but I just want to see where I can take my footy now.

“I’d say this is the best decision I’ve made in my career by far. I’ve seen the success he’s [Wayne Bennett] had in his career, and I wanted to see where he could take my footy – as a coach.”

Wayne Bennett said the Latrell Mitchell was one of the biggest signings at the club since Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that he’s come here... He’s got a lot of attributes that I like to see in a fullback”.

Earlier on Monday, the Sydney Roosters said in a brief statement that they had released Mitchell from the final year of his contract.

Latrell Mitchell was all smiles at Redfern HQ. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty

Souths general manager of football Shane Richardson is thrilled to have landed the 22-year-old representative centre, who has desires to play fullback.

“Latrell is a sublime talent and with the guidance of our coaching staff, senior players and mentors, we think Latrell can go to another level in the red and green,” Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson said.

“He has the ability to be one of the best players in the world and from our discussions with him he understands that it’s going to take a lot of hard work and effort for him to be at his best consistently and to reach his full potential.

“He will get that opportunity at the Rabbitohs, working with some wonderful mentors here in Wayne (Bennett), Jason (Demetriou), Ben (Hornby), Greg (Inglis), John (Sutton) and Sam (Burgess), and we’re really looking forward to seeing Latrell at his peak wearing the famous cardinal and myrtle jersey that so many greats of the game have worn before him.”

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Latrell Mitchell won back-to-back premierships with the Roosters. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Following a dramatic 48 hours of back-and-forth negotiations with Souths — Mitchell confirmed he was released by the Roosters with the club backing down on a threat to block the move.

Demanding a payment of $127,000 from bitter rivals South Sydney, the Roosters on Sunday agreed to release Mitchell on the condition that he paid an outstanding fee to one of his former managers.

“On Sunday afternoon, the Sydney Roosters instigated the delivery of a deed of termination/release to the management of Latrell Mitchell from the final year of his contract,” the Roosters said in a statement.

“The club thanks Latrell for his service over the years, from his time in the SG Ball (2014) through to the NRL.”

Mitchell would have been required to attend Roosters training on Monday or seek additional leave had the request not been issued.

Latrell Mitchel signed a one-year deal with Souths. Picture: Simon Bullard

The 22-year-old was on Sunday night driving back from Taree, where he spent the weekend jet-skiing, and is expected to report to Redfern on Monday to sign his South Sydney deal.

After being wined and dine by Russell Crowe on the actor’s Nana Glen estate, Mitchell knocked back the Rabbitohs’ first offer on Friday.

While certain that he wanted to play for Souths after meeting Crowe and Wayne Bennett earlier in the week, Mitchell was unhappy with the first offer.

The Wests Tigers reportedly offered Mitchell $1 million per season for four years but couldn’t finalise a move, while Gold Coast, North Queensland and Canterbury were also touted as possible destinations.

“I knew if I would’ve jumped straight into that Tigers deal I probably would’ve regretted it,” Mitchell said.

“And I understand where the money was at, but it’s’s not all about the money everyone made it out to be.”

Latrell Mitchell has officially joined Souths.

Mitchell agreed to join the Rabbitohs on Saturday night when an improved offer was made.

The Roosters only issued the release after Mitchell agreed to pay an outstanding management fee of $44,000 to his former manager Steve Deacon.

The Daily Telegraph understands Mitchell will sign a one-year deal with a one-year option in Souths’ favour.

The Australian Test centre will have to set off a series of performance-based triggers to activate the second year of the contract.

It is also understood that Mitchell has been given a verbal guarantee that he will play fullback.

After an extended three-month break, Mitchell will on Tuesday begin his NRL pre-season when he joins the Rabbitohs’ full-time squad.

Having not taken part in an NRL training session since before the grand final 99 days ago, Mitchell will be racing the clock to be fit for the Rabbitohs’ round-one clash against the Sharks on March 14.

Souths are confident that Mitchell’s extended break will not affect his start to the season.

Mitchell prematurely announced his exit from the Roosters in an Instagram post last week.

“I want to thank the Sydney Roosters for everything they have done for me and my family,” Mitchell wrote.

“I cannot describe the way I feel right now but just wanted to let everyone know involved in my career through my stint here, I am so very grateful for you all.

“To the fans, thank you! It wouldn’t be a game without you.

“Nothing has been made official as of yet. But my stay at the Roosters has come to an end. On to the next chapter, wherever that may be.”

That chapter will officially be confirmed as South Sydney on Monday.

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell signs two-year deal with South Sydney Rabbitohs