Latrell Mitchell’s self-imposed media ban is supported by the Rabbitohs, but what about the Blues?

It’s been nine months since Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell went on a self-imposed media ban. With likely Origin selection around the corner, how will the Blues handle the expectation? BRENT READ and TRAVIS MEYN report.

Rugby league’s biggest star is also its quietest. Latrell Mitchell’s self-imposed media ban is now nine months and counting and it appears nothing will change should he emerge unscathed from South Sydney’s game against the Wests Tigers this weekend and be named in the NSW squad for the opening State of Origin game in Brisbane in just under a fortnight.

There was an expectation that Mitchell would be part of the media frenzy when he lobbed at the Blues base, but don’t hold your breath. The Rabbitohs have already spoken to the NSW Rugby League over Mitchell’s media commitments as Souths’ superstar prepares to take his vow of silence into Origin camp.

This masthead understands that Blues hierarchy have been told that they should brace for Mitchell to keep his thoughts to himself when he pulls on the sky blue jersey.

Latrell Mitchell hasn’t spoken publicly in nine months. Picture: Richard Dobson

If that is the case, it is a genuine shame. Mitchell is not only one of the biggest names in the NRL, but also one of its most quotable.

When the Souths superstar talks, the rugby league world listens. It’s been a while. Mitchell hasn’t spoken since late last year, having made the decision to put some distance between himself and the media in a bid to rediscover his best form.

The blanket media ban is believed to be the brainchild of Mitchell, who has chosen to let his football do the talking. But he has the full support of Souths coach Wayne Bennett, who has placed countless media bans on players throughout his four-decade coaching career.

Former Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford once went close to an entire year without facing the cameras in Brisbane under the instruction of Bennett.

Mitchell is quickly approaching a similar period at Heffron Park. He has been polite, happy to say hello, but reluctant to take it beyond that.

Mitchell will likely be picked again for the Blues this year. Picture: Tim Hunter

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo declined to comment when contacted about Mitchell’s stance but head office is aware of his reluctance to speak publicly and plans to broach the subject with the Rabbitohs.

Under the NRL’s hazy media guidelines, which are rarely enforced, players are supposed to be available to media at least once every three weeks. That said, they have the right to politely decline to speak and Mitchell has done just that, most often via his club.

He notably declined to speak to Immortal Andrew Johns in the dressing sheds a few weeks ago after throwing the cut-out pass to win the game against the Roosters.

He hastily made his way off the field after kicking a 49m field goal to beat the Broncos a week ago, again avoiding the media. He spent the off-season shedding weight and getting ready for Bennett’s return, and his form has begun to reflect his dedication.

He has produced some amazing plays this year and not said a word about them. Souths won’t mind as long as he keeps playing the way he has in recent weeks.

The Rabbitohs fully support Mitchell’s stance. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Undoubtedly one of the game’s biggest stars, Mitchell can also be one of its most polarising. His comments, usually from the heart, carry such weight that they can be dividing.

At times, his emotions have got the better of him, most notably during an unfortunate post-game radio interview last year that saw him sanctioned over his language.

His decision to put some space between himself and the media stems from a period of controversy, which culminated in a one-match ban last year following a white substance scandal.

In the wake of that incident, the priority for the Rabbitohs and Bennett has been getting Mitchell to focus on himself and remove outside distractions. The signs have been encouraging.

A hamstring injury slowed Mitchell’s start to the year but he found his groove in the Rabbitohs’ win over the Broncos, when he nailed the long-range field goal to secure the victory.

That performance almost certainly locked up a spot in the NSW side given Mitchell has a history of terrorising Queensland at Origin level.

Certainly, no Maroons will take delight out of Mitchell pulling on a sky blue jersey again. The only disappointment after the win over the Broncos was Mitchell’s decision to exit the field immediately after full-time rather than speak to the media.

Mitchell had a tough run with the media prior to the ban. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Even the host broadcasters couldn’t convince Mitchell to speak and it appears likely that he will take that stance into the Origin arena.

Souths contacted the NSW Rugby League this week to prepare them for that very scenario.

“Latrell has been fully focused on his family, his footy and his health over the last nine months,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.

“Whenever he wants to speak to the media again, I am sure he will. But largely this decision has been driven by personal reasons and he has the full support of everyone here at the club.”

The Rabbitohs’ only concern is creating an environment conducive to Mitchell being at his best because when he is, they are awfully hard to beat.

The same goes for NSW. The priority for the Blues and coach Laurie Daley is to get the best out of the big man. Do that, and NSW will go a long way towards defending the Origin shield they won back last year.

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell’s self-imposed media ban is supported by the Rabbitohs, but what about the Blues?