'Latrell to rugby?': Mitchell linked with stunning code switch
The circus that is Latrell Mitchell's NRL off-season shows no signs of coming to a halt.
With options appearing to be running out in rugby league, the two-time Roosters premiership winner seems to have turned his attentions elsewhere.
Mitchell has been linked with a host of clubs after the Roosters withdrew their two-year, $1.6 million offer to the star.
The Wests Tigers on Thursday became the latest club to end their pursuit of the representative centre, leaving perennial strugglers the Gold Coast Titans as seemingly Mitchell's last resort in the NRL.
However, the Sydney Morning Herald is now reporting that the 22-year-old is considering a sensational cross-code switch to rugby union.
It says an approach was made by representatives of Mitchell to gauge Rugby Australia's interest in the centre.
NRL great Timana Tahu said in May that Mitchell's signing would be a massive coup for Australian rugby.
“For the next high-profile player that they wanna look at, throw big money at, I’d be looking at Latrell,” Tahu wrote.
“It'd be a massive loss for rugby league, but for rugby union, he'd bring a new audience, new sponsorship and help change the Wallabies.
“It's perfect timing because there are two or three years for him to get his game knowledge up... the next World Cup is in 2023."
However, many rugby league fans are less than impressed with the idea of Mitchell making the switch to rugby.
Latrell Mitchell contemplating switch to rugby union: report ! ....... Go, Go ! ....This is all just another stunt by Mitchell in this boring circus ! ...With all clubs dropping out, he now needs to whip up something, as it's all starting to backfire on him ! Hahahaha
— garry1 (@garry182651377) November 29, 2019
Now Latrell’s people have played the rugby union card, there’s only one thing left - the NFL!! Not sure who is advising Latrell - he seems to have about 3 managers - but can’t remember a more ham-fisted handling in recent years.
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) November 29, 2019
Latrell is to blame as well his playing the game not just his managers.
— lono89 (@lono89) November 29, 2019
— Rontastic®️ (@Ron_Boll) November 29, 2019
Latrell to rugby?
Whoever is in this bloke’s ear has absolutely no idea.
Seriously, as much as I loathe them, why wouldn’t they accept 800k from the Roosters first up?
One of the best young talents in the game, receiving the worst advice imaginable. #nrl #sillyseason— Nick McGrath (@nickmcgrath4) November 29, 2019
If Latrell ends up in rugby his advisors should be charged with crimes against humanity
— Fire Up! (@FireUpOnFBI) November 29, 2019
There’s no need for him to be this desperate....the Tigers have a more than reasonable offer just sitting there if he wants it ..... I have no idea what he’s trying to do .
— Warren Turnbull (@wazturn72) November 29, 2019
Mitchell's link to union comes despite Gold Coast claiming he's interested in a Titans move "to continue his growth as a player and person".
Mitchell is still contracted to the Roosters in 2020 but it has become abundantly clear that he is no longer in the club's plans.
If Mitchell can't ink a deal he faces the prospect of playing in the Roosters' reserves next year after falling out with coach Trent Robinson with one season left on his contract.
Titans confident of luring star to Gold Coast
However, the Titans sounded confident they could tempt Mitchell after organising for the NSW centre to tour their facilities next week where they are expected to use their trump cards - Mal Meninga and Justin Holbrook.
Titans head of culture and performance Meninga has bonded with Mitchell as Kangaroos coach while new Gold Coast mentor Holbrook got to know the centre during his time as Robinson's assistant at the Roosters.
"The Titans are always interested in attracting quality players to the club and Latrell more than fits that description," a Titans spokesman said.
"Latrell has expressed an interest in moving to the Gold Coast to play for the Titans, to continue his growth as a player and person under the mentorship of Mal and coaching of Justin."
With agencies