Inside story of Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton arrest in Canberra

Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton had a night to forget when they were taken to jail. But it’s been revealed one of the stars was originally going to leave the scene before he said this to police.

Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton.

Latrell Mitchell started keeping a diary on last year’s World Cup tour. Amid the entries in his personal tome was a homage to Kangaroo teammate Jack Wighton, his way of paying tribute for the way the Canberra star helped him ward off homesickness to play a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup win.

Mitchell and Wighton were virtually inseparable for more than a month in England. It took the Canberra police to separate them in the early hours of Sunday morning as rugby league received another reminder that nothing good ever happens after midnight.

On the surface there appears little in it, other than two good mates having a push and shove. Sources with knowledge of the situation say the police statement of facts, which is now in the hands of the NRL, suggests that no punches were thrown.

They say police intervened because they feared things could escalate. Yet the vision has prompted some to suggest the police were heavy handed. Their attempts to control the South Sydney superstar apparently not helped by the size of his wrists.

Apparently, they couldn’t get the regulation handcuffs to fit so they were forced to use flexible cuffs. It wasn’t a good look for Mitchell and many would argue it wasn’t a good look for Canberra police either given four of them were pinning the Rabbitohs fullback down.

Having begun to exit the situation, Wighton was allegedly concerned enough to return and ask the police to let Mitchell go with him. Wighton is then said to used words to the effect of: “If you’re going to take him you might as well take me.”

Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton arrive at Sydney Airport ahead of their flight to New Zealand for the NRL All Stars clash. Picture: John Grainger

So they did, the pair spending the night in jail after being charged with a variety of offences. Early indications are that the pair will dispute allegations that they were fighting and the NRL has cleared them to play in the All Stars game pending the outcome of their court hearings.

The game has adopted a consistent approach to police charges under the stewardship of Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo. Unless it involves serious allegations of violence, they let the court process play out. It could take months, meaning there is every chance Mitchell and Wighton will head into the season with police charges hanging over their head.

The more immediate concern is how it reflects on the wider playing group given the players union is due to hold more talks with the NRL this week over the collective bargaining agreement,

The last thing the Rugby League Players Association needed was to have two of their biggest names spend a night in the lockup as they attempt to strike a bargain with the NRL. Leverage has been lost at a time when the players are fighting for more control, not only of the purse strings but also the way the game is run.

Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton could head into the NRL season with police charges hanging over their head.

As for Mitchell, he has been given a brutal reminder of his standing in the game. Anything involving the South Sydney talisman is now front page news. Every misstep magnified.

The 25-year-old is the biggest name in rugby league and recently inked a multimillion-dollar contract that reflects that. Some will question the outlay given recent events but Mitchell is worth every cent for the way he plays on the field and carries himself off it.

The good far out-weighs the bad when it comes to the Souths star. He is not perfect, but who is? Right now, the best thing Mitchell can do is heed his own advice.

Asked on the World Cup your what he would say to himself as an 18-year-old, Mitchell’s response was telling: “Make your circle small, don’t focus on the hype I guess and let the rugby league do the talking.”

Sounds like a smart plan.

Originally published as Inside story of Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton arrest in Canberra