Latrell Mitchell opens up on being racially abused and his desire to be next Adam Goodes

Sydney Roosters superstar Latrell Mitchell says he wants to be the NRL’s Adam Goodes, opening up over the racist abuse he copped as a boy.

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Latrell Mitchell has opened up about being racially abused as a 10-year-old boy, and how it has inspired him to stand up as rugby league’s Adam Goodes.

When the racist vitriol would start up from opposition parents at his games in and around Taree on the mid-north coast, Mitchell’s father would immediately take him off the field and drive straight home.

As much as his dad tried to shield his young son from the cruelty, Mitchell knew he was born with an exterior that would not cower.

As he prepares to lead the Sydney Roosters into battle for indigenous round, Mitchell has outlined his determination to follow the brave example set by Sydney Swans icon Goodes — who famously called out abuse at enormous personal cost to himself — and lead the NRL’s own crusade against racism.

“Greg Inglis copped it at Penrith last year. It’s in our game. It’s still here,” Mitchell told The Daily Telegraph.

Latrell Mitchell has spoken about facing racial abuse as a young player in the bush. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I know as a young fella I used to cop it a lot. Under-10s, under-11s. You get family of the opposite teams just yelling abusive things at you because their sons are getting beat. It’s ignorance.

“My old fella always pulled me off. If someone started being racist he just dragged me off the field and said, ‘nah, we’re going home.’

“Me and my brothers grew up with it and for me coming up I knew I always had a thick skin about that stuff. I’ve witnessed it, I’ve experienced it.

“It’s still going on and it needs to stop.

“What Adam Goodes did was remarkable. He stood up for what he believed in. I praise him for that.

“That’s an example for me. If somebody is going to say that to me, I’m going to definitely hold someone accountable for saying that.”

Adam Goodes set a brave example by calling out abuse at enormous personal cost to himself.

Mitchell showed the strength of his character at the start of this season when he told a disappointed Roosters coach Trent Robinson he would not fly with the team for the World Club Challenge in England, determined to instead stay home for the indigenous All Stars match.

“I just wanted to represent my mob. My family and my culture and that game was perfect,” said Mitchell, whose handprint and that of his daughter features on the Roosters indigenous jersey.

“I spoke to Trent and he backed my decision. He was a bit disappointed, but all I wanted to do was follow my heart and that’s what I did. I don’t regret the decision I made.”

Latrell Mitchell missed the World Club Challenge to play for Indigenous All Stars. Picture: AAP

If Mitchell wants to be like Goodes off the field, he is motivated to be like Greg Inglis on it.

He sent Inglis a heartfelt message following his retirement, and although he is still to hear back from a man in the midst of a personal struggle, all Mitchell wanted to do was get across his gratitude.

“I was that kid who wanted to play rugby league because of GI,” he said.

“He paved the way, I’m just taking over now.”

Latrell Mitchell’s handprint and that of his daughter features on the Roosters indigenous jersey. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Tonight at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Mitchell has organised 50 tickets for kids from his old club Taree Rovers to drive down the highway for the celebration of indigenous culture.

But Mitchell fears for the future of the game in his home town and wants the Roosters to join the fight to save indigenous talent by taking NRL matches to the country.

“For me it’d be massive. I know for my old club it’s sort of dying out footy. People, kids are not interested,” said Mitchell.

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“They love footy. That’s what it’s about, especially for indigenous kids. They grow up athletes.

“I don’t think we’ve (the Roosters) ever taken a game out to the country to be honest. I haven’t put it to the club but I’d love to see it.

“I think it would raise awareness, raise a bit of money for the community, and just bring that love back into the community.”