NRL 2021: Latrell Mitchell opens up on his grand final heartbreak

Souths star Latrell Mitchell has opened up on his role preparing the Rabbitohs for the grand final and the ‘saddest thing’ about missing the big game on Sunday.

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell says he has “done everything in his power” to prepare South Sydney despite being shattered by the suspension which robbed him of a third grand final.

And, in his first interview since the ban last month, Mitchell has spoken of his heartbreak at being denied the chance to share Sunday’s decider with great mate Cody Walker.

Mitchell was suspended for a season-ending six games after a high hit which fractured the cheekbone of Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu in round 24.

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Rather than return to Sydney, Mitchell has remained in Queensland to mentor young Souths players nervous at the looming Panthers match.

Asked what his role has been while suspended, Mitchell told NITV’s Over the Black Dot show: “Just being around training and getting the younger fellas ready.

Latrell Mitchell has been helping Souths younger players prepare for the grand final against Penrith. Picture: Russell Freeman/Getty Images

“Even with ‘Codes’ (Walker), getting with him and having a good yarn. (I’m) training hard against them and I’m not holding back.

“I want them to go into this game knowing they have done everything possible and I’ve done everything in my power to get these boys ready to be able to perform on Sunday.

“This will probably be the highlight of his (Walker’s) career next to putting on the indigenous jersey and being captain.

“I can’t wait for him to run out there and do what he does best. That’s the saddest thing about me not being there to share that moment. We debuted the same game and it would have been nice to be there beside him in the grand final.

“It’s obviously disappointing I can’t be there but I’m so happy for the boys and the effort they have put in and shown. I think they will go out and perform their best this weekend.”

Mitchell joked: “I’m the energy man, now.”

Latrell Mitchell is shattered he won’t be able to play in the grand final alongside his great mate, Cody Walker. Picture:

A primary focus for Mitchell has been tutoring his fullback replacement, rising star Blake Taaffe.

Asked for his advice to Taaffe given the expected bomb barrage from Penrith’s Nathan Cleary, Mitchell said: “Have a bit of belief in his catch.

“He has trained for it and knows what he has to do. He has played fullback for most of his life. Catching the ball shouldn’t be that hard.

“I have played against Nathan a bit and I know what heat he puts on that kick.

“It’s a hard one but going through the week, getting him (Taaffe) ready, putting a few up for him, that will give him the best chance for him to go and catch those balls on the full and giving the boys their best chance of field position, which will be a big part of this grand final.

“We just have to focus on ourselves, that’s what we have done for most of the year. There are going to be a lot of calls that go the opposite way and I suppose we have to combat that.

“You just have to soak up the week. For me, having played in two (grand finals), the biggest advice I would give anyone would be to soak up the week with the fans.

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“Everything is hyped up. It’s sort of like an Origin week where everyone is pumping it up. It’s the biggest game of the year and everyone wants to be in the last dance.

“Just enjoy it, love it. As soon as you get there, all that build up is worth it in the end when you win it.”

When asked for a grand final tip, a cheeky Mitchell said: “I reckon we will put 30 on these fellas to be honest.”

Mitchell’s grade two reckless high tackle was among the most controversial incidents of this season.

Earlier this week, Mitchell’s partner, Brielle Mercy, claimed the NRL star should have been playing his third grand final after previous appearances for the Roosters in the 2018 and 2019 deciders.

“Should have been making his third NRL GF appearance this weekend but ‘NRL system’ had different plans,” Mercy posted on Instagram. “Proud of your efforts this year and every year. You get knocked down over and over and only come back stronger.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Latrell Mitchell opens up on his grand final heartbreak