NRL 2023: South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell reveals why he called out alleged racial abuse

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has backed down on his “passionate” comments directed toward Latrell Mitchell’s alleged teenage abuser as the South Sydney superstar breaks silence.

Latrell Mitchell and Jason Demetriou. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has backed away from his call for a life ban for the teenage fan alleged to have racially abused South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell.

Perrottet weighed into the issue earlier this week, calling on the NRL to suspend the supporter who attacked Mitchell at Bluebet Stadium on Thursday night.

Police and NRL inquiries into the incident are ongoing but the premier toned down his stance after it was pointed out by News Corp that he himself had made mistakes - earlier this year he apologised after it was revealed he wore a Nazi costume to his own 21st birthday.

“To be fair to you - I’d say this - people make mistakes,” Perrottet told the Ben Fordham show on 2GB.

“I was probably wrong about that (life ban call) at that point in time. I was pretty passionate that day. It was the day after the game ... you know what - I’ll accept that.

“My comments were probably too strong that day. You’re right.”

The premier’s comments come after NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell broke his silence on the alleged racial abuse saga, declaring he needed to continue calling out abhorrent behaviour.

Mitchell was allegedly called a “b---- dog” as he left the field during the halftime break of South Sydney’s 16-10 loss to Penrith at BlueBet Stadium last Thursday.

The South Sydney fullback on Monday night told News Corp it was important to take a stance on behalf of all Indigenous people.

“Racial abuse is as unacceptable in society as it is in rugby league,” said Mitchell, who returned to Rabbitohs training on Monday wearing white socks with the Aboriginal flag on them.

Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell at Souths training at Redfern Oval on Monday. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Unfortunately it is something that I have had to deal with my whole life — on and off the field.

“Whilst the support from people inside and outside rugby league since Thursday night has been great, nobody should have to deal with racial abuse in 2023.”

Following Thursday night’s game, Mitchell made a pre-planned visit to his home near Taree, before returning to Sydney to support Australian boxer Tim Tszyu in his world title fight victory over American Tony Harrison.

Mitchell’s comments come as the NRL Integrity Unit and NSW Police continue to investigate the incident, but the 25-year-old is in no doubt about what was said and the action that was needed.

“It is important for me to call this abuse out immediately,” Mitchell said.

“Not only for myself, but every Indigenous person who has suffered or suffers this sort of abuse. We have a number of Indigenous players in our squad — who will have all been as equally offended by the comment.

“The only way to stop this abuse continuing is for people to call it out immediately — just as the Panthers players and my teammates did on Thursday night”.

South Sydney players are standing behind Mitchell, convinced he was racially abused, despite claims disputing what was said by the teenager involved in the alleged racist slur.

It’s understood the Rabbitohs have been informed by the NRL that NSW Police are now looking into what witnesses have alleged the boy said to Mitchell as he walked up the tunnel.

Police sources said there were aware of two phrases that witnesses had heard on the night.

One was “black dog”, while others said they heard “filthy dog”.

It is not known exactly what the teenager claims to have said.

However, multiple Souths players remain adamant they heard the comment as they walked from the field and they will not be changing their story.

South Sydney players say they heard the comment.

Latrell Mitchell after the game in Penrith. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

At this point, NSW Police are yet to question the players.

The NRL Integrity Unit is waiting for police to complete their investigations before they proceed.

There have been calls for the NRL to hand out life bans to anyone found guilty of racist comments.

The Rabbitohs are preparing to face arch rivals the Sydney Roosters in a blockbuster match up at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.