NRL Integrity Unit interviews South Sydney Rabbitohs Latrell Mitchell over leaked photo

Latrell Mitchell has been formally interviewed by the NRL over the leaked photo scandal. However, a leading Sydney lawyer has said it will be difficult for the NRL to sanction the Rabbitohs fullback.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs looks on from the stands during the round 23 NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium, on August 08, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The NRL has formally interviewed South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell as it deals with the fallout of the leaked photo scandal involving one of the game’s biggest stars.

The NRL continues to investigate an image which shows Mitchell leaning over a table with what appears to be a white substance.

Mitchell was holed-up in his Ramsgate home on Tuesday when the NRL Integrity Unit interviewed the Rabbitohs fullback over the phone.

He spoke with South Sydney officials on Monday while the Rugby League Players Association reached out to Mitchell, having also spoken to the player’s supporters.

His adviser, boxing promoter Matt Rose, was seen visiting Mitchell after arriving home from Las Vegas on Tuesday morning.

The latest development comes amid fears the incident could cost Mitchell sponsorship and endorsement agreements if the NRL issues him with a breach notice.

The leaked image that appears to show NRL Star Latrell Mitchell leaning over a table with a white substance on it.

However, leading Sydney lawyer Paul McGirr has deep concerns over the NRL’s ability to sanction Mitchell.

“Unless either Latrell Mitchell, or whoever was allegedly in that room, attest to what Latrell is actually doing, and when, then I would submit on face value, legally, that the case would more than likely collapse,” McGirr said.

“It’s mere speculation on a person who is seen bending down over a table. The NRL only has to prove matters on the balance of probabilities but without any admissions, or knowledge of when the photo was taken or by whom, the case would have to struggle.

“Without assuming anything, there is nothing on the still shot that indicates what he is doing without running away with our minds. Without any confirmation or denial, it’s pure speculation.”

Paul McGirr believes it will be difficult for the NRL to sanction Latrell Mitchell. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

McGirr said an issue for the NRL would be establishing the veracity of the image, which was circulated on Monday following a weekend trip to Dubbo, where Mitchell conducted coaching clinics.

“I’ve seen two versions of the same photo that look quite different and things could have been added. One has words added on top of it. Surely that creates doubt in any capacity. In this day and age, it’s so easy to edit things,” McGirr said.

“I would urge the Integrity Unit fact finder to satisfy themselves with the requisite standard and, without any admissions, I would think they’d struggle to find him guilty of an alleged offence [under the game’s rules].

“We don’t know where the photo was from or when it was taken, or even what year. It’s not a great quality picture and they are still photos, not a video.”

Last year, the NRL and North Queensland fined centre Valentine Holmes $100,000 — $50,000 of which was suspended — and banned him for one match, after briefly posted an image on his Instagram account with a white bag between his teeth.

In 2021, Melbourne Storm trio Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis were each hit with one-game suspensions, plus a suspended fine of $100,000 following images of them partying in a Sunshine Coast hotel room with an unknown white substance.

In each instance, the NRL found they had brought the game into disrepute.

“Latrell could face similar sanctions but you’ve got to come back to the touchstones of what is the actual photo showing?” McGirr said.

“In Latrell’s case, there is one still shot. People are talking about the white substance on the table but I’m not so satisfied about that.”

The NRL has declined to comment until an outcome has been achieved, which is part of its new arrangement with the Rugby League Players’ Association on player disciplinary matters.

“As the RLPA always does, we will provide support to the player and ensure that due process is respected and followed,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said.

“It’s great that what was agreed on under the Collective Bargaining Agreement on this occasion is being followed.”

Originally published as NRL Integrity Unit interviews South Sydney Rabbitohs Latrell Mitchell over leaked photo