Rabbitohs icon Rodney Churchill describes Latrell Mitchell as an ‘embarrassment to the No.1 jersey’

A South Sydney icon has unleashed in a blistering attack on Latrell Mitchell, while revealing his outrage at the treatment of Sam Burgess.

NRL 2023 RD24 South Sydney Rabbitohs v St. George Illawarra Dragons - Latrell Mitchell NRL PHOTOS

The son of rugby league Immortal and South Sydney legend Clive Churchill has blasted Latrell Mitchell, declaring he ‘hasn’t delivered’ for the Rabbitohs and is the reason for the implosion of their 2023 season.

Rodney Churchill, who has long doubted Mitchell’s value as a fullback, launched a fiery attack on the 26-year-old on Saturday morning in an interview with News Corp.

“If you look at it objectively, he’s been very disappointing and just hasn’t delivered (at South Sydney),” Churchill said.

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“In fact some weeks he’s been an embarrassment to the No. 1 jersey.

“I think he’s overrated. And sometimes I wonder if he cares enough. It’s a fact that he’s being paid as a marquee player but hasn’t stepped up when required.”

Speaking days after Latrell’s lacklustre efforts at fullback were highlighted in stunning vision on NRL 360, Churchill said he was speaking from the heart when it came to his views on the powerhouse athlete.

Latrell Mitchell’s efforts have been questioned in 2023. Picture: NRL Photos

“Latrell’s been at Souths since 2020 and either through injury or silly suspensions or not turning up on the day, he hasn’t delivered much,” Churchill said.

“The publicity around him is out of control for what he’s done. Seriously. And I’m talking from my heart.

“My dad was involved in 10 premierships and we love the club.”

Churchill, who rarely speaks out against anyone in rugby league, especially anyone at the club beloved by both himself and his father, was also fuming at the dismissal of club legend Sam Burgess on Wednesday.

“Sam Burgess is the only one to call it for what it is. And he’s been shown the door. I can’t understand it,” Churchill said.

“He only said what a lot of ex-Souths players believe, that Latrell hasn’t aimed up.”

You can read Churchill’s full interview with The Daily Telegraph here.

Sam Burgess wasn’t ok with the treatment of Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Julian Andrews

Latrell Mitchell breaks silence on Rabbitohs crisis

Churchill’s scathing attack comes after Mitchell shot down rumours he is at odds with his Rabbitohs’ teammates in a post on social media.

Assistant coach Burgess departed during the week amid reports he and Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou were in conflict over the treatment of star players Mitchell and Cody Walker – and the fact Latrell was not held to the same standards as other players at the club.

That, combined with the recent form slump of the Rabbitohs which has them on the precipice of the top eight and needing to win against the Roosters next week to keep their season alive, has resulted in Souths being under immense pressure over the past few days.

Mitchell posted a photo on Thursday of him and his teammates with the accompanying caption: “Sometimes we fight, sometimes we argue but there ain’t no negotiation on how much I love this club and my teammates.”

Latrell Mitchell has been slammed by a club icon.

The star fullback has been out of touch in recent weeks since returning from a calf injury which has kept him out for a big chunk of the season.

Mitchell incurred a one-game suspension for an elbow on Knights forward Tyson Frizell during last week’s loss. He will only feature again this season if South Sydney beat the Roosters in round 27 and progress to the finals.

It was reported on Wednesday that Mitchell and Souths captain Cam Murray had an exchange earlier in the season where the skipper criticised the fullback for his effort.

Murray reportedly called out Mitchell’s work rate at a recent video session amid division which threatens to derail the club on the eve of the finals.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mitchell criticised his skipper for not passing the ball to him during a passage of play.

“When I call for it, give it to me,” Mitchell said according to the report, to which Murray replied: “Most of the time, you’re not there.”

“When I call for it, give it to me,” Mitchell said according to the report.

Murray replied: “Most of the time, you’re not there.”

Jason Demetriou has a huge job on his hands. Picture: Julian Andrews

It comes after Mitchell’s efforts were highlighted by the NRL360 panel following South Sydney’s loss to the Knights in Round 25.

Host Braith Anasta pinpointed a number of moments in which Mitchell was left in backplay or in the wrong place in defence against the Knights.

“Tell me another fullback in the game who stands still like that and doesn’t support up the middle of the ruck,” Anasta said.

“Tell me whatever you want to tell me and he is not solely to blame, but he is the leader at that club.

“He is the barometer and once he starts making better decisions and wears his heart on his sleeve (they will get better).”

- with foxsports.com.au