Rivals aren’t honest, they want a piece of Latrell Mitchell, says manager Wayde Rushton
Despite a host of NRL clubs denying their interest in Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell, the star’s manager Wayde Rushton says they aren’t telling the truth as his phone continues to ring off the hook.
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Despite a stream of denials in The Daily Telegraph, at least nine clubs are poised to express interest in unwanted Sydney Roosters star, Latrell Mitchell.
And The Daily Telegraph can also reveal the Roosters would consider allowing Mitchell to walk away immediately if he secured another club for 2020, despite being under contract at Bondi.
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The Daily Telegraph canvassed multiple NRL clubs on Wednesday with Souths, Wests Tigers, Manly, St George Illawarra, Penrith, Parramatta, New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla all denying an interest in Mitchell.
Yet The Daily Telegraph has been told by those close to Mitchell that at least eight clubs are ready for a crack at the Kangaroos centre.
And it emerged last night that the Tigers will be bullish in their pursuit of Mitchell.
It’s understood they may sign Mitchell for next season. Coach Michael Maguire is a fan and Mitchell could play at fullback for the Tigers.
Mitchell’s manager Wayde Rushton refused to confirm on Thursday which clubs were interested but did say: “I don’t feel every club you spoke to has been honest with you.
“Of the clubs that said no, there are clubs in there that have contacted me. I’m sure some of the clubs saying they don’t have an interest in Latrell, have an interest.
“They might not be letting the media know about their interest.
“My phone is on red battery already – low charge – that’s under 10 per cent and it’s not even midday. It hasn’t stopped all day. My phone has been busy.”
Several clubs weren’t prepared to speak on the record about a supposed lack of interest in Mitchell.
Roosters chairman Nick Politis returns from an overseas trip on Friday.
It is understood Politis would be prepared to offload Mitchell before the 2020 season with suggestions the club may even pay a small amount of his contract at a new club.
Clubs are monitoring the situation, each keeping a keen eye on their rivals.
One well-placed source said: “Clubs will start to make a move sooner than later. The clubs are telling the media one thing and doing the opposite.”
Canterbury remain interested in Mitchell but there are influential elements at the club baulking at the $1 million price tag. Some board members want Mitchell, others have cold feet.
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Bulldogs chairperson Lynne Anderson is currently overseas but is aware of the Mitchell developments over the past 72 hours.
Mitchell, 22, is away with family on the NSW north coast and won’t return until next week. He is attempting to clear his head, according to mates.
It is becoming increasingly unlikely the Roosters will return to the negotiation table and offer Mitchell a new deal from 2021.
Roosters rookie Billy Smith is ready to replace Mitchell in the Roosters’ centres.
Originally published as Rivals aren’t honest, they want a piece of Latrell Mitchell, says manager Wayde Rushton