Lachie Mitchell set to become first player to notch 50 caps for Melbourne Rebels

LACHLAN Mitchell will become the first player to notch 50 caps for Melbourne Rebels when he faces up against the Waratahs on Friday night.

Melbourne Rebels v Queensland Reds,Rugby Union,Rebel Lachlan Mitchell scores the first tr

LACHLAN Mitchell is the quirkiest personality at the Melbourne Rebels, according to his teammates.

Away from Super Rugby, Mitchell defies just about every rugby stereotype as an occasional painter, jazz aficionado, lover of European museums, art and culture.

Despite being a professional footballer, Mitchell has a rare capacity to leave his career well away from his Brunswick digs.

But, as of Friday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Mitchell will carve out a historic niche in Melbourne’s history when he becomes the first player to notch up 50 caps for the Rebels.

And the foundation Rebel who prefers to travel solo when on holiday is clearly chuffed at the achievement.

“It’s obviously a cliche, but (it’s) a massive honour,” he said

“It is particularly special, I suppose, It’s kind of a feather in my cap.”

As with most things with Mitchell, there is a story behind the journey.

Asked how he was recruited by Melbourne’s Damien Hill four years ago, he said: “Damien came over to watch the (London) Wasps, I think originally he was looking at (Danny) Cipriani and, luckily, I got a gig as well.”

Although Mitchell genuinely attempts to downplay his achievements — despite playing 49 of a possible 52 games for Melbourne — his teammates tell different stories.

Forward Luke Jones says there is a simple reason Mitchell flourished.

“Lachie’s never been that x-factor, like a Cooper Vuna who would just do amazing things,” Jones said.

“Lachie was always the hardworking winger, the hardworking player who would always put in off the field with the little things, the extras and stuff.

“And that’s why he’s got 50 caps because of his hard work. It’s got him to where he is.

“When I’m with him on the field, with other guys in the past, I would get nervous. With Lachie, I know I can rely on him.”

As to his off-field personality, Jones said: “He’s quirk as. Very quirky.

“He loves books, he’ll paint. He’ll listen to jazz music and talks about being cultured a lot.

“We all think it’s funny. He likes to go away from the norm, which is great.

“He’s never succumbed to the stereotype rugby player and he’s never been afraid to do that. I think that’s fantastic.”

Scott Higginbotham said Mitchell was one of the most fearless footballers he has seen.

“Lachie; goes head first into tackles and head first into balls on the ground with sort of legs everywhere,” Higginbotham said.

“He’s one of the toughest blokes I know.

“It’s fantastic to see him earn his starting spot this year and keep it.

“He’s an interesting kind of guy and I’m sure everyone says that.

“He’s very much like me in that football is not the main thing going through his mind the whole time and that’s fantastic to see.

“When he’s here, he works so hard — and has since the club started up.

“It’s fantastic to see him do so well in something that he doesn’t obsess about.”

Mitchell, 26, is in the final season of his current contract, but would like to extend.

“I’ve learnt a lot,” he said.

“I’ve had three different coaches, four different CEOs.

“I’ve learned a lot — aside from rugby — about how rugby clubs work.

“We’ve had almost three full changes of team, lots of great guys have come through, and I think we’ve got probably the strongest and most well-adjusted bunch of players since the start.

“That’s a good thing.”