Why silence has become Latrell Mitchell’s biggest strength ahead of Rabbitohs return against Roosters

Silence has become Latrell Mitchell’s greatest weapon ahead of his NRL return. As the Souths superstar prepares to face his old side the Roosters, Wayne Bennett reveals why this version of Latrell is the best yet.

The quietest man in rugby league is ready to make a loud splash.

Latrell Mitchell has been persona non grata as far as the media is concerned this season, keeping this thoughts to himself and leaving the rest of the rugby league world to wonder about what is going on inside one of the game’s most intriguing minds.

Mitchell, with the support of his club and his seven-time premiership winning coach, has kept his head down and focused on working his way back from a hamstring injury that meant he missed the opening four rounds of the premiership.

Plenty of people have spoken on Mitchell’s behalf and they have all sung from the same hymn sheet. Mitchell, they will tell you, is in a remarkable frame of mind, his mental confidence only matched by his physical condition heading into Friday night’s game against the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium.

Coach Wayne Bennett is among those to shower Mitchell in praise. Asked on match eve whether he could remember Mitchell being in better condition, Bennett smirked and replied: “Probably when he was 18. He looks great. I’ve been away a couple of years, I didn’t take notice of him. But he looks great now.

“He has grown up, accepted his responsibilities. He’s got a young family, three young children and I think it has dawned on him that they need a good dad.

Latrell Mitchell during Captain's Run ahead of his first game this season. Picture: South Sydney Rabbitohs

“He has shown his (commitment) with the way he has physically presented himself. He hasn’t been in the headlines for 12 months, he’s doing great.”

The timing of Mitchell’s return is impeccable. The Roosters have brought out the best and worst in one of rugby league’s genuine superstars over the past few years.

There is no love lost between the clubs and Mitchell exemplifies the enmity more than anyone. He won back-to-back premierships with the Roosters then jumped ship to their bitter rivals, causing a stir in the process.

It hasn’t died down since. On occasions, playing against his former club has got the better of Mitchell. The red mist has descended and Latrell has let himself down.

Bennett was asked whether he felt the need to rein in Mitchell given the occasion on Friday night. His response suggested he had few concerns.

“I don’t want him in the sin bin, I don’t want him sent off,” Bennett said.

“I don’t see any reason why that is going to happen.”

Wayne Bennett believes Mitchell’s silence has contributed to his terrific physical and mental state. Picture: South Sydney Rabbitohs

It probably helps on that front that Mitchell will start in the centres. The plan was always for Mitchell to return at fullback but circumstances led to a late change of heart.

A succession of injuries to the Rabbitohs outside backs - Alex Johnston, Campbell Graham and Tyrone Munro have all been struck down - forced Bennett into a rethink.

That, and the form of Jye Gray in the No.1 jersey. Ironically, the last time Mitchell started an NRL game in the centres was for the Roosters - in the 2019 grand final, when he played a decisive role in them snatching the game from Canberra.

“I see him as an amazing player, as an incredible player,” said Trent Robinson, who won his third premiership when the Roosters prevailed six years ago.

Latrell Mitchell achieved premiership glory at the Roosters. Picture: AAP Image/Steve Christo

“He’s definitely a fullback but he was also an amazing centre. There are strengths that we know he’ll bring at centre and we’ve worked on that and also if he goes to fullback for a period, we are clear on that as well.

“It’s about having our tools to nullify and combat that and take advantage of things we want to do as well. There is respect in both those positions, we’ve done our work.”

Therein lies part of the mystery on Friday night. Mitchell in the centres is a different proposition to Mitchell at fullback, where he can inject himself into the play at his whim.

Latrell Mitchell looks in tremendous shape ahead of his NRL return. Picture: South Sydney Rabbitohs

When Mitchell is at the back, opposition sides always need to be on alert. At centre, the doesn’t necessarily have the same air of unpredictability.

He is expected to line up on the left opposite Roosters youngster Robert Toia, a player he inspired with his words and deeds when he was still with the tricolours.

Toia came to Sydney with the Roosters in the under 15s and Mitchell had a word in his ear. I moved away from home like you, Mitchell told Toia. Stick at it and I’ll see you one day, Mitchell said.

That day has now arrived and Toia will have his hands full after Bennett pulled aside his biggest star and talked to him about returning in the centres because it was in the best interests of the team.

Mitchell listened and agreed.

“He’s understanding of it,” Bennett said.

“We spoke about it and I didn’t ram it down his throat. That wouldn’t work. We had a conversation about it and he realises the situation we’re in and he’s happy to come back through that position and move back to fullback when everything settles down here.”

There is a fascination with Mitchell in rugby league that transcends his club and the Rabbitohs’ fanatical supporters. When Mitchell is fit and firing, Souths aren’t the only beneficiaries.

“His presence is his greatest attribute, he helps other people around him play well with his presence,” Bennett said.

“After that, we all know what he can do. I’m just looking forward to him getting into it but it can’t all happen in one game, it will take three or four weeks to get to where he needs to be.

“He’s wonderful for the game, but what he does on the field is what makes him great, not the hysteria around him.”

Rugby league is a better game with Mitchell is at its beating heart - even when he doesn’t talk.

Originally published as Why silence has become Latrell Mitchell’s biggest strength ahead of Rabbitohs return against Roosters