NRL Indigenous Round: Latrell Mitchell wants to be more influential than Prime Minister

On the eve of NRL Indigenous Round, South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has revealed his mission to become the most influential person in Australia.

Latrell Mitchell is on a mission to join the Prime Minister as the most influential leader in the country.

In the eyes of the NRL superstar, he already sits alongside Australia’s most powerful Indigenous athletes including champions Cathy Freeman, Lionel Rose, Anthony Mundine and Patty Mills.

“Don’t you reckon I’m there on that list?,’’ the South Sydney fullback asks.

“I feel like I’ve earned my stripes and I now carry that torch.

“I feel like I’m on that pathway towards leaving a legacy.

“I lead by example and have a responsibility and obligation to put 100 per cent effort in everything I do.

“Whether that’s being a proud Aboriginal man, or a South Sydney Rabbitoh, or being a dad, it’s about being 100 per cent committed to being the best I can be.’’

Nicho Hynes and Latrell Mitchell are strong Indigenous voices in the NRL. Picture: Justin Lloyd

So what’s next then, Latrell?

“I’d like to be the most influential athlete in Australia,’’ he says.

“Not just that though, I want to be the most influential Australian.

“Why not?”

Ahead of an important clash with the Eels at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, Mitchell made the claim without a hint of ego.

Mitchell has taken a brave and personal stand against racism.

He called out racial abuse from a teenage fan at Penrith earlier this year, leading the NRL to announce the young fan needed to apologise to the South Sydney star and undergo training programs before being allowed back to watch a game.

In the past, he has hosted youth leadership camps with the Souths Cares charity on his own property in Taree.

Mitchell also hasn’t been afraid to voice his political views, including prior to Anthony Albanese’s elevation to Prime Minister, when the Souths star declared it was time for an Indigenous PM.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

Yes, there’s a big kid element to the Test and NSW State of Origin talent.

He winks and smiles for the cameras during matches, he whips the crowd into a frenzy with a fist-pump or a grab of the Rabbitoh across the heart of his jersey.

Yet this time, his tone when expressing his desire to inspire and change lives away from football, was one of belief and confidence within his powerful 25-year-old mind.

It comes from a place of wanting to inspire all Australians and ignore the naysayers, bullies or vile social media abuse, which the famous Rabbitoh knows all too well about.

“I do understand who I am, and what influence I can have, but I still pinch myself every day I wake up,” Mitchell said.

“I’m not always like this.

“It takes a toll. But it’s about having outlets, like friends, family and other hobbies, and being able to control that.’’

Only last weekend, Mitchell pledged his support to Sydney Swans champion Buddy Franklin.

Franklin was incessantly booed by fans at a recent Swans match against Collingwood in Melbourne.

Mitchell said the over-the-top reaction from fans was racially motivated.

“I get it a lot, so I know what it feels like,” Mitchell said.

“I won’t back down from calling out racism.’’

Sydney's Lance Franklin was incessantly booed recently. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sitting alongside Mitchell during our interview was fellow Fox Sports ambassador Nicho Hynes.

Hynes, who will push his NSW State of Origin claims for Cronulla against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, backed the famous Rabbitoh to deliver on his ambition to influence lives in ways that match PM Albanese.

“I reckon he’s already up there,’’ Hynes said. “Latrell’s impact on the next generation will be spoken about long after he’s retired from football.’’

The two proud Aboriginal men are also the game’s most marketable stars, leading to the NRL being in a position of privilege when it comes to being able to celebrate this week’s Indigenous Round.

Rival codes, particularly rugby union, would crave the coverage the duo deliver for the NRL. Like Mitchell, the Dally M champion is driven by much more than just repeat sets and tries scored.

He too, is aiming to inspire others through his actions, off the field.

“For me, I want to be one of the best Australian sportsmen,” Hynes said. “But I also want to be known for inspiring the next generation. People go through tough times, so I’m there to inspire them to make better decisions, to chase their dreams and be successful. I don’t just want to give a young Indigenous boy or girl hope. I want to change all lives.’’