Roosters’ Latrell Mitchell’s big right-hand fend is making the biggest statement in rugby league

SYDNEY Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell likes his football to do the talking. And his right-hand fend is making the biggest statement in rugby league.

Latrell Mitchell gives James Roberts the big no thank you.

LATRELL Mitchell likes his football to do the talking.

And his right-hand fend is making the biggest statement in rugby league.

Inspired by Greg Inglis, the main weapon in the Sydney Roosters centre’s attacking armoury has proved devastating at repelling opposition players this season.

Just ask Brisbane’s James Roberts.

“Jimmy the Jet” still has a bruised backside after Mitchell swatted him away in the clutch moment of their week-one qualifying final.

Mitchell put the vicious fend on Roberts on the way to scoring the matchwinning try that sent the Roosters into Saturday night’s preliminary final against North Queensland and put every centre in the competition on notice.

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Latrell Mitchell gives James Roberts the big no thank you.

The 20-year-old’s next potential victim is the Cowboys’ Kane Linnett.

Asked where it came from, Mitchell said: “It’s just a natural thing. It’s a habit now. It’s just my footy doing the talking.

“When people get close, it gives me space from them. Watching GI (Inglis) and all the top players doing it.

“I thought it was an opportunity I could take and add it to my tricks of the trade.

“GI is the greatest. I’ve seen what he’s done in the game. He does what I want to do. I try and imitate a few things he does.”

Mitchell’s big don’t “don’t argue” isn’t only reserved for opposition centres like Roberts.

“When you’ve got big front-rowers, you don’t want to get tackled so it’s something to get you away from them,” Mitchell said.

“To be able to get one up on him (Roberts), we had a yarn after the game. It was good to be able to talk about it.”

Mitchell is full of confidence after his performance against Brisbane. Picture: Brett Costello

Mitchell did admit his big fend was born somewhat out of necessity.

“I used to be faster and didn’t need to palm anyone off,” said Mitchell, who tips the scales at more than 100kg.

“You always try to beat your opposition so to be able to get that, it was something.”

His stunning late try to hand his side victory gives hope for the future for NSW Origin fans, with representative honours just around the corner.

Mitchell’s matchwinner in such a big moment has also provided him with added belief he can be a finals force, especially coming up against an in-form Cowboys outfit.

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“It gave me a confidence boost going up against Jimmy the Jet,” Mitchell said. “He has been doing what he’s doing for the past five or six years. He performs at his best.

“To be able to sort of even-up on was a confidence boost. I know what sort of a player he is.”

Mitchell was dumped to Wyong in the NSW Cup mid season. He described his season as being a “roller coaster.”

Now, an NRL grand-final qualifier awaits.

“I’m pretty nervous, it’s my first semi-final series in the top grade. To be able to do it at the Roosters, it’s something special,” he said.