NRL 2020 ad: Latrell Mitchell camp fires back over criticism
Latrell Mitchell’s manager has fired up over barbs the star’s role in the NRL ad is ‘divisive’ – noting no one said a word when Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo launched last year’s ad with his father.
NRL
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Latrell Mitchell’s manager Matt Rose has had a not-so-subtle crack at criticism of the NRL’s new TV advertisement.
Defending the polarising South Sydney star’s appearance in the NRL’s controversial season launch campaign, Rose questioned why critics did not create the same outrage when Tongan great Jason Taumalolo and his father launched last year’s ad.
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WATCH LAST YEAR’S NRL ADVERTISEMENT ABOVE
Now regarded as the NRL’s leading indigenous player agent, Rose also declared this was a moment that would live with Mitchell forever, and he should not be embarrassed by the controversy that has erupted because of him being draping an Aboriginal flag across his back.
“He is a 22-year-old kid from Taree and being in an NRL ad is pretty special,” Rose said.
“It is something you watch in the different years and you always wish you could be part of that.
“I think that is the way he sees it.
“He is proud not to just be an ambassador for himself but the game and his people.
“Last year they had Jason Taumalolo and his dad and they were speaking Tongan,” Rose said.
“Now was there anything made of that, of the Tongan heritage? Nothing.”
The ad from last year did have Taumalolo’s father but they spoke English, but Rose’s point was direct nonetheless.
“I never thought it would be an issue of someone being proud to be a first nation person of this country,” he continued.
“I don’t know why people would not want to embrace that.”
He said Mitchell had not concerned himself with the outrage this ad has caused.
“(Latrell) is very comfortable with the fact he had to hold the Aboriginal flag,” Rose added.
“He hasn’t shied away from being proud of who he is.
“You check Latrell’s social (media account).
“He is very proud of who he is as an Aboriginal person.
“He doesn’t shy away from the fact he is proud Aboriginal man.
“If there is people out there with issues of the fact he is holding an Aboriginal flag then that is their problem.
“That is not Latrell’s.
“He is proud of everything he does when he makes a stand on things.
“He is excited by the ad.
“Latrell is very proud of what he does on the football field and how he carries himself as an Aboriginal man.”