$1 million question: Should your club sign Latrell Mitchell?
Latrell Mitchell’s NRL future seemingly lies at one of four clubs. Here’s why he should — and shouldn’t — be a break-the-bank signing target for the Knights, Bulldogs, Tigers and Cowboys.
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LATRELL: I want to become a Cowboy
The race to sign Latrell Mitchell looks down to four clubs.
A host of sides have already shut the door on luring the superstar centre away from the Sydney Roosters, but the Bulldogs, Knights, Tigers and Cowboys remain in the hunt.
The $1 million question is: should they break the bank to try and snare Mitchell?
We look at the pros and cons of signing Latrell Mitchell on a big money deal.
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COWBOYS
Why they should sign Latrell Mitchell: The best strike centre in the game instantly beefs up a backline that has struggled in the post-Johnathan Thurston era and, realistically, for years. Traditionally, the saying goes that a backline can’t thrive without their pack moving forward. At North Queensland it’s the opposite, with the speedsters on the flanks continually failing to cash in on the work provided through the middle third. Add in Mitchell and you have a back five now containing exciting prospect Scott Drinkwater at fullback and fleet-footed recruit Esan Marsters at centre. This suddenly gives the Cowboys the attacking threat to again contend for the premiership. Some clubs have a perplexing habit of recruiting players in already stacked positions, the Cowboys have zeroed in on their weakness and are targeting accordingly.
Why they shouldn’t sign Latrell Mitchell: Signing Mitchell means waving goodbye to Val Holmes and that’s a bad move. As good as Drinkwater might be, Holmes had stamped himself as one of the gun fullbacks in the NRL before his shock switch to the NFL and the Cowboys should be focused on ensuring he returns. $1 million is a lot to invest in a centre, regardless of his talent, but it’s spot on for a fullback of Holmes’ calibre. The club are struggling to find a halves partner for Michael Morgan, while Jake Granville is approaching the twilight years of his career. Could the money be better directed while still enhancing the side’s attacking issues?
KNIGHTS
Why they should sign Latrell Mitchell: If you have $1 million to spend it should ideally be directed towards the spine — unless your club is fortunate enough to already boast strike power in the four key positions. Newcastle are well covered at one, six, seven and nine. The prospect of Mitchell playing outside Kalyn Ponga on the left edge is tantalising. Ponga’s ability to isolate defenders is bettered by none in the NRL, so Mitchell’s game would thrive outside the star fullback. It’d also be a foil out wide to ease pressure on the halves. Of the four clubs listed, Newcastle are the only side whose success won’t be heavily reliant on Mitchell performing like a million-dollar man on a weekly basis. Newcastle is just two hours from Mitchell’s home town of Taree which would hopefully be beneficial for his personal welfare.
Why they shouldn’t sign Latrell Mitchell: There aren’t too many negatives in the signing, but let’s not forget the shambles the club finished in last season which culminated in fans deserting the club at home on Old Boys’ day. There have been few rock-solid excuses for the club’s declining culture in 2019, but a new coach will hopefully help rectify the issues. While nothing serious, Mitchell has had his share of off-field issues and is continually questioned about his attitude towards the game. This isn’t to suggest Mitchell would make matters worse, simply that the club could benefit in signing a respected veteran of the game as a means of rebuilding the culture.
BULLDOGS
Why they should sign Latrell Mitchell: A salary cap debacle has largely robbed Canterbury of star power both on and off the park in recent years. Mitchell ticks both boxes and looks to be a great fit for the club. Much like the Cowboys, the Bulldogs have lacked any real attacking threat in their entire backline in recent years, and Mitchell’s attacking exploits are exactly what the side are so desperately seeking. Mitchell is also a player that puts bums on seats and gets kids harassing their parents to get to the footy. The club have bravely fought through a tough recent period, perhaps Mitchell can be the beginning of a new era at Belmore?
Why they shouldn’t sign Latrell Mitchell: Surely the Bulldogs need to bolster their spine with an out and out gun? Kieran Foran is already taking up $1 million of their cap each season but is sadly falling apart and another shoulder injury suffered against Great Britain has clouded his future. The ball-playing of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is unconvincing at fullback but he appears a lock in the No.1 jersey. Lachlan Lewis continues his development as a five-eighth but remains raw, while Jeremy Marshall-King and recruit Sione Katoa lack spark at hooker. As per above, Canterbury desperately need strike power out wide, but it’s no use having a gun centre if there’s nobody inside him to create attacking opportunities.
TIGERS
Why they should sign Latrell Mitchell: Plenty of NRL clubs have no need for Mitchell, the four clubs reportedly chasing the centre desperately do. The common theme between the pursuers is a lack of strike power on the flanks, and the Tigers are no different. They’ve lacked game-breaking ability for a number of years now, with their attack struggling to fire under numerous coaches. With the loss of Esan Marsters, they need Mitchell’s intimidation and X-factor out wide. We’re told over and over that defence wins premierships which is true, but the Tigers have proven that a resilient wall is useless without quality attack at the other end. For many years they’ve been several classes below the best attacking outfits in the game, and 2020 will be no different unless they bolster their roster, making Mitchell the perfect fit. I’d go as far as saying the Tigers can’t make the top eight without Mitchell or a signing of similar stature.
Why they shouldn’t sign Latrell Mitchell: The same as has been previously stated above applies to the Tigers in that the $1 million could probably be better spent on a fullback or hooker, but it’s getting repetitious. The obvious issue here is the potential clash of personalities in the hard-nosed Michael Maguire and the easy-going Mitchell. You’d hope and expect professionalism to prevail in this instance with Mitchell taking to his new leadership style. However, on the surface it appears a risk to fork out hefty coin for bloke who is constantly questioned for his work ethic. Maguire won’t be altering his authoritarian coaching style to accommodate the star signing, so it’d be intriguing to see how the relationship unfolds.