NRL news: Latrell Mitchell pays tribute to cousin after teenager’s tragic death
Latrell Mitchell has paid an emotional tribute to his teenage cousin hours after his return to Rabbitohs training. Disclaimer: warning for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander readers
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has paid an emotional tribute to his teenage cousin only hours after returning to training with the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs had offered to give Mitchell and his brother Shaquai time off to deal with the death of their 14-year-old first cousin, who passed away following a car accident around Jubullum Mission, in the NSW far north between Casino and Tenterfield.
Mitchell, however, put on a brave face as he slogged it out on his first day of preseason training alongside fellow Souths stars Cody Walker and Damien Cook.
The younger members of the Rabbitohs squad returned to training last week but Mitchell and the other more experienced members of the squad were given additional time off.
Afterwards, Mitchell posted an image on his social media account of his cousin adorned with angel wings.
He wrote “Love ya my baby cuz” and added a broken heart emoji. Mitchell is said to be devastated at the loss of his cousin and Rabbitohs officials had offered him the chance to delay his return to training until he was mentally ready to begin preparations for next season.
However, he was front and centre on Monday as he and his teammates look to rebound from a disappointing 2023 which culminated in the club missing the top eight amid claims that Mitchell and Walker were given preferential treatment.
The club dismissed the claims but they were unable to overcome the drama as they missed out on the top eight. Star recruit Jack Wighton is expected to return to training next week.
Luai legacy: Star hopes brother, son build own Penrith dynasty
Jarome Luai cleaned out his locker at Penrith for the last time, but the four-time premiership winner says his name will live on at the club through his brother and son when they build their own dynasties at the foot of the mountains.
Broncos backflip: Madge pulls pin on Walters roster move
Michael Maguire has made his first big call as Broncos coach, pulling the handbrake on a Kevin Walters-era roster cleanout.