South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell welcomed two gatecrackers into Redfern on Monday.
Police are continuing their investigation, with several Souths players already confirming they heard what was said as the players entered the tunnel at halftime against the Panthers.
Souths players sat in a circle after practice Monday as Mitchell addressed the group for five minutes and expressed his appreciation for his friends and family who had his back.
Andrew and Jarell Hamilton from Lightning Ridge couldn’t believe their luck when they met Latrell Mitchell.Credit:Edwina Pickles/SMH
It remains to be seen how Sydney Roosters fans will greet Mitchell at Allianz Stadium on Friday, but Souths was grateful to have their No. 1 star bouncing around after a weekend off.
“‘Trell loves a conversation, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s spoken to us and let us know how he’s feeling and how grateful he is on behalf of his family and community,” said Souths winger Alex Johnston.
“It’s not just the NRL where this is the case [racism] must be punched out.
Circle of Confidence… the Southern No. 1 addressed the group after Monday’s practice session.Credit:Christian Nikolaussi
“When it happens to ‘Trell Mit’ on the biggest stage, it happens in rural towns in the middle of Australia. It is something that we must oppose resolutely and eradicate from society altogether.”
Johnston said the Roosters faithful would boo Mitchell, just like they did in the final round last season, then again in the fiery elimination finals when Souths and Mitchell had the last laugh.
“It’s going to get heated, he might do a boo here and there but there’s also going to be a lot of cheering and hopefully that tops it all [the jeering]’ Johnston said.
However, the Roosters expected their own fans to look their best and had nothing but respect for the man who helped deliver two Premierships for the Bondi club.
“Everyone deserves respect, especially a player like Latrell,” said Roosters skipper James Tedesco.
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“I haven’t contacted him, but we talk a lot.
“I’m sure he’ll come out firing. He’s always against us. There will be a good atmosphere at home.”
Playmaker Luke Keary wasn’t expecting boos, adding: “The week he’s going to have and with what happened last Thursday, hopefully for everyone [the reception] is not bad. They don’t want our Roosters fans – or other fans of the game – to get out and keep blaming him, especially in this current situation.”
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https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/the-two-outback-kids-who-made-latrell-mitchell-smile-20230313-p5crjv.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_sport South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell welcomed two gatecrackers into Redfern on Monday.
