Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell’s adviser Matt Rose has reached out to the NRL with concerns about the fullback’s welfare after Rod Churchill’s ugly spray was exposed.
The son of South Sydney legend Clive took a swipe at the talented fullback after the Rabbitohs’ loss to the Eels in May, texting chairman Nick Pappas.
Mitchell was granted the weekend off in Round 26, and Rose called NRL powerbroker Andrew Abdo after he was labelled a “cancer” to the Rabbitohs according to the SMH.
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The text message was revealed after reports of preferential treatment within the South Sydney camp surfaced, with coach Jason Demetriou reportedly not holding Mitchell and Cody Walker to standards.
The circus led to the departure of assistant coach Sam Burgess who is set to join Warrington Wolves as head coach in 2024.
“It’s fair game when someone has an opinion on people playing football, but it’s the personal attacks by certain individuals that needs to be called out and removed from the game,” Rose said.
“It happens too regularly. When we’re talking about the issues that people face on mental health and we advocate on how important they are.
“Then in the same breath we throw all these kids under the bus if they don’t get something right or live up to someone’s standards. It’s unfair.”
Abdo also threw his support behind Mitchell, who was granted leave during the Rabbitohs’ bye round this week.
“Latrell is a leader in rugby league and one of the greatest players the game has seen in the last decade,” Abdo said.
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“He is popular with fans young and old and has become a household name because he is without doubt one of the game’s superstars. He also gives a tremendous amount to the community off the field.
“He stands up for what he believes in and he makes a positive difference in many people’s lives.
The public criticism of Latrell or any player, when it is personal in nature, is a blight on our game. The game is built on respect and a fair go. That’s what I expect from everyone connected with the game.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys also said: “It’s time for people to back off Latrell”, echoing his colleague’s comments.
Mitchell will sit out of his side’s crucial Round 27 clash with the Roosters, having been handed a one-game suspension for an elbow on Knights backrower Tyson Frizell.
Churchill’s text to Pappas read: “Where was the human headline Mitchell tonight Nicholas? Missing again, this was his big game apparently? Your club will not win another comp for another 40 years if this imposter remains at Souths.
“He is a complete myth who has the aboriginal cause paramount and south sydney second, if at all. I hope you and family are well. Nothing was done and now this cancer that is Mitchell has ruined the club.”
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