Roosters set to shed stars but huge cost puts Canterbury off Latrell Mitchell
The Sydney Roosters face the prospect of losing one of their best players as the NRL premiers’ success finally catches up with them, with one Sydney rival again linked to Latrell Mitchell.
Roosters
Don't miss out on the headlines from Roosters. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Canterbury’s interest in Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell appears to have waned as insiders claim the premiers will have to offload at least one star within the next 12 months to remain salary cap compliant.
Mitchell is under contract at Bondi until the end of next season but can be approached by rival clubs from November 1.
There have been ongoing reports the Bulldogs desperately wanted Mitchell, a gun representative centre who helped Sydney Roosters to back-to-back titles.
Even one rival NRL coach predicted that Mitchell would join Canterbury.
Live stream the inaugural Downer Rugby League World Cup 9’s Live & On-Demand on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The Daily Telegraph though has been told Mitchell’s asking price is out of Canterbury’s price range.
One Bulldogs official said the club had “no plans” to approach Mitchell because “he wants too much.”
It flies in the face of mid-season reports Canterbury was planning on offering Mitchell a stunning 10-year deal worth $10m.
The Roosters will struggle to retain every member of their grand final-winning squad with Mitchell, prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and hooker Jake Friend all coming off after next season, as are front-rower Siosiua Taukeiaho and centre Joey Manu.
Roosters insiders say Manu is about to be re-signed but there isn’t an indication just yet where the club stands with Mitchell.
There have been external rumblings about Mitchell’s attitude this year but club officials, teammates and coaches are quick to praise his work ethic.
The suggestion that Mitchell would join Canterbury has been hovering around rugby league for six months.
Canterbury privately says they need a strike centre and Mitchell is world class. The Bulldogs however are baulking at shelling out up to $1m a season for Mitchell.
The Bulldogs could alter its stance on Mitchell once the club is aware whether the player will be officially free to negotiate with rival clubs.
When asked about his future during grand final week, Mitchell told The Daily Telegraph: “The sky is the limit.
“(But) it’s something for other people to talk about. Not me. I just want to play footy, enjoy the break and then November will come around.”