Reported hidden Holmes threat in Cowboys’ Latrell Mitchell play

Roosters star Latrell Mitchell may be getting used as a pawn in a dramatic contract bluffing game between the Cowboys and Valentine Holmes.

Latrell Mitchell’s stunning link to the North Queensland Cowboys could all be a stunning bluff to “flush out” NFL running back Valentine Holmes.

The Courier-Mail reported on Thursday the Roosters star and his management have been contacted by a third-party connected to the Cowboys about a potential contract offer following his week of turmoil in negotiations with the Roosters.

The Roosters on Tuesday night released a statement announcing the club’s reported $1.6 million, two-year contract offer to Mitchell had been withdrawn following a messy contract stand-off where the 22-year-old is reported to have shopped himself around to the Bulldogs.

The Daily Telegraph has also reported nine NRL clubs have ruled out having any interest in the dynamic centre, with just the Cowboys, Knights and Bulldogs reported to be entertaining the idea of making an offer to the grand final hero.

Mitchell remains contracted to the Roosters for the 2020 NRL season, but his relationship with some senior Roosters officials has reportedly deteriorated so dramatically that sections of the club would be prepared to let him leave a year early, should he sign with a rival club for the 2021 season.

The reports claim the Cowboys have jumped to the head of the queue in the murky race to sign Mitchell after clashing reports surrounding the Bulldogs that a board member met with Mitchell again this week despite club chair Lynne Anderson on Thursday declaring the club has made no offer to Mitchell and has not officially held discussions with the centre or his management.

Valentine Holmes is not a guaranteed starter for the Cowboys.

The Knights are also reported to be short on salary cap space, should the club decide to recruit Mitchell.

The Cowboys’ reported approach to Mitchell has also been thrown into uncertainty after The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie on Thursday morning said it could all be a ploy to force Valentine Holmes into finally signing off on the reported $3 million, three-year deal he agreed to terms on last month.

The Cowboys reportedly only have salary cap space to sign one of Mitchell or Holmes.

It comes after suggestions Super League club Toronto Wolfpack is also considering making an offer to Holmes, having already signed former All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams to a reported $10 million, two-year deal.

Holmes has emerged on the Toronto team’s recruitment wish list alongside rugby star Manu Tuilagi and code-hopping former Queensland State of Origin forward Ben Te’o.

Multiple reports from the UK claim Toronto can compete with the Cowboys’ rich offer.

The Toronto raid would partly explain Ritchie’s claim that the Cowboys are trying to force Holmes into making a decision before his NFL season with the New York Jets ends on December 31.

When asked by rugby league legend Laurie Daley if the Cowboys were trying to “flush out” Holmes via their public interest in Mitchell, Ritchie told Sky Sports Radio: “Yes. They’ve got a million dollars. At what point do you say it’s been in the bank now for a year, we’ve got to go spend it.

Latrell Mitchell thinks he’s worth more than $800,000 per season to the Roosters.

“That is a thought I’ve had when I read the story. It would be clear to me that they can only afford one or the other. Val may not know his future until late December when they (New York Jets) play their last game.”

Holmes is with the Jets practice squad through the NFL International Player Pathway Program but it’s said he will walk away from his US dream after failing to force his way into their active roster.

His uncertainty also leaves Mitchell in NRL limbo.

A report on Wednesday claimed the Roosters are “absolutely frustrated” with the contract saga and would likely be prepared to let Mitchell leave with a full season remaining on his contract.

Channel 9’s Danny Weidler revealed on Wednesday morning following Mitchell’s one-on-one meeting with coach Trent Robinson on Tuesday that the Roosters “are not happy” with how Mitchell has let the contract saga play out.

Weidler reported the Roosters are frustrated that Mitchell has refused to entertain the $1.6 million offer that would keep him as the highest paid centre in the NRL.

He said Robinson personally told Mitchell the club was withdrawing its contract offer.

“They’re absolutely frustrated,” Weidler told Sky Sports Radio.

“They don’t really know how to handle the situation other than to take the offer away. They believe that there is no centre in the game getting better than $800,000 per year and I’m struggling to think of one, other than Jack Bird.

Latrell Mitchell is burning bridges.

“They’re absolutely frustrated. They’re not happy that he’s been shopping himself around.

“They’re not happy at all.”

He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Roosters allow Mitchell to leave immediately if he signs with a rival for 2021.

“That’s how bad things have got,” he said of the contract stand-off.

The Roosters released a statement on Tuesday confirming their position on Mitchell’s future.

“The Sydney Roosters have today advised the management of Latrell Mitchell that the club’s offer for 2021 and beyond has been withdrawn,” the Roosters said in a statement.

“Latrell has expressed that he would like to explore his options for season 2021, however he remains under contract with the Roosters for season 2020.”