‘Scarred’: Wests Tigers stall on $3m contract for Latrell Mitchell
An $8.2 million signing spree that backfired on Wests Tigers has the NRL club’s board urging caution as they weigh up splashing the cash to snare Latrell Mitchell.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Dragons’ best young star officially hits NRL open market
What’s the Buzz: Channel 9 eyes Ray Warren replacement
An uneasy Wests Tigers board has concerns about rushing into a rich deal with Latrell Mitchell after hastily outlaying a whopping $8.2 million on three players three years ago.
The Daily Telegraph has been told club directors want to conduct a comprehensive appraisal on Mitchell — on and off the field — before spending up to $3 million on the star player over three years.
Board members want Mitchell at Concord but will conduct a review on whether the player’s personality would mesh with renowned iron-fisted coach Michael Maguire.
The board wants to ensure the signing would be risk free.
Wests Tigers directors are still gun shy over hurriedly signing Josh Reynolds, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer to long-term deals worth more than $8 million three years ago after the club lost star players James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses and Aaron Woods.
“The board is undoubtedly scarred by what happened three years ago,” one source close to the club said.
“The club rushed into some purchases where they paid ‘overs’. The club should have completed even deeper checks in relation to fitness, health etc.
“I’m certain the club won’t pay ‘overs’ for Latrell. There are some reservations.”
Reynolds, Matulino and Packer have had to overcome form loss and injury in attempting to justify their fat contracts.
It still appears likely Mitchell will join Wests Tigers from next season. Maguire will increase negotiations on his return from New Zealand Test duty on Monday.
All levels of the Tigers’ management are supportive of Mitchell but want to tread slowly and carefully before lodging a massive offer.
Maguire is renowned for his relentless coaching technique — a style which can unsettle some players, including the recently departed Ryan Matterson.
Wests Tigers want Mitchell to fully support Maguire’s coaching approach.
Mitchell wants to play fullback at Concord, where he could demand $1 million a season. Wests Tigers wouldn’t pay that amount for a left centre.
Rival clubs three years ago felt Wests Tigers quickly signed players to avoid humiliation after losing Tedesco, Woods and Moses in one hit.
“I think you’ll find the majority of the board would support signing Mitchell but there are still some concerns,” the source said.
“You need players that will fit in and Madge is a great coach and a tough coach. It’s his way or the highway and some players don’t like that.
“The club needs to know that any player that signs up will buy into that and will sign up to Madge’s culture.”
Wests Tigers directors noted Mitchell’s attitude toward NSW coach Brad Fittler when dropped after State of Origin I this year.
The Sydney Roosters want Mitchell moved on by next season, despite him having a contract at Bondi for 2020.