Moses Mbye slams Latrell Mitchell critics, backs Wests Tigers move
If Moses Mbye was in charge of Wests Tigers, Latrell Mitchell would be top of his list, regardless of the “harsh” criticism surrounding the want-away Rooster’s transfer saga.
Tigers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tigers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Moses Mbye has rolled out the welcome mat for Latrell Mitchell to join the Wests Tigers while hitting back at the star centre’s detractors, labelling the criticism “harsh”.
Mitchell has dominated the headlines in recent weeks as the gun outside back weighs up his future.
The 22-year-old has been previously linked to the Tigers before the joint-venture club pulled their offer because they hadn’t heard a response.
Mitchell is yet to decide his future but Mbye believes he wouldn’t look out of place in a Tigers jumper.
Watch every KFC Big Bash League match LIVE or On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial >
“He (Latrell) is a quality player and if he is available, I don’t see why you wouldn’t sign him,” Mbye said. “If I was running a team, I’d probably be doing the same thing.
“He brings strike. He scores tries and kicks goals. I know he is only young but he brings a hell of a lot of experience.
“He has won two premierships and he has played in a handful of games for his country, state and also his indigenous heritage.
“He has got a lot of experience in big games and in a very strong cultured club (in the Roosters).”
Mbye also leapt to the defence of Mitchell over the delay of his contract decision. The Tigers back knows what it is like to deal with constant speculation about your future.
Mbye has dealt with uncertainty over his contract during stints at Canterbury and most recently the Wests Tigers last season when he was dropped mid-season. He understands Mitchell’s current situation given he has walked in his footsteps.
“I think personally Latrell has probably been pretty harshly criticised,” he said.
“He is young and I think people forget that because he is such a good player and he has done so much in the game they treat him like he is a 28-year-old.
“He has also got a lot on his plate with a young family to look after and a lot of people don’t put that into perspective. It is a tough gig at 22 having children and trying to get the ball rolling with all these offers and this amount of money.
“He is from very humble beginnings. If I was advising Latrell it would be to look after your family and I think he has done a really good job of handling the pressure and criticism.
“I know he has spent a lot of time with his family, so good luck to him.”
For Mbye, 2020 shapes as a crucial campaign following an indifferent season due to a hip injury and inconsistent form.
He was also dropped from the Tigers’ starting side a week before his Queensland Origin debut in Game 1 in June.
Five months on, Mbye’s NRL demotion has given him valuable perspective.
“You just can’t take anything for granted,” he said.
“You get to play this game at the highest level, so every opportunity you get to play you just have to enjoy it. You can’t kick stones.”
MORE NEWS
Donors to Folau campaign to be given refunds
Young guns lining up for tilt at Tiger
Mbye has used the same mentality to overcome his anaphylactic shock in Maroons Origin camp earlier this year. The Tigers utility “feared for his life” after collapsing due to a severe allergic reaction.
Thankfully, a quick-thinking Queensland doctor reacted to save Mbye’s life. He hasn’t suffered any side effects since while he is in full training.
“I’ve been fine,” he said. “The only time I ever think about it is when I’m talking to you guys about it.
“My wife also hammers me a bit about it as well. She carries an EpiPen treatment for me and she gets a bit angry when I don’t take it.
“I have a Zyrtec in the morning and I’m OK.”
Originally published as Moses Mbye slams Latrell Mitchell critics, backs Wests Tigers move
30 NRL coaches sacked in ruthless decade: Why Benji won’t be 31
There have been 30 NRL coaches sacked in less than a decade. Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield asks Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson - who has axed three coaches in his career - whether Benji Marshall will be 31.
How Luai is handling ugly ‘traitor’ barbs and daughter’s jersey snub
It didn’t take long for the Penrith faithful to turn their back on hometown hero Jarome Luai. And the new king of Concord is even facing some hard truths on the home front after leaving the Panthers dynasty.