- NRL superstar Mitchell unhappy with repeated criticism
- He feels he is being targeted, just like his struggling Rabbitohs
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is back in the spotlight after allegedly confronting NRL 360 presenter and former footy star Braith Anasta at a Sydney restaurant over alleged personal attacks.
Mitchell, 26, was dining at Chin Chin in Sydney’s inner suburb of Surry Hills on Wednesday night when he spotted Anasta, who was eating at the same location with his family.
It is understood that Mitchell decided to express his frustrations with the identity of Fox Sports TV and the player’s agent personally, as he felt Anasta is often too personal when conveying his opinions, especially about the Rabbitohs.
The conversation – reportedly animated in nature – continued privately outside, but at no point became physical.
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell (pictured with teammate Cody Walker) is back in the spotlight after allegedly confronting NRL 360 presenter Braith Anasta
At Mitchell’s request, the conversation with Anasta (pictured) continued privately, but it did not become physical
Anasta and Mitchell were with their respective families at Chin Chin in Sydney’s Surry Hills on Wednesday evening when the confrontation occurred
It comes as the Rabbitohs previously complained to Fox Sports bosses about the program’s treatment of their star players, including Mitchell.
Recently, Anasta spoke on NRL 360 about his reasoning for why Mitchell shouldn’t play fullback.
“Look at the great full-backs in our game… they’re there before the game is there,” he said.
‘They are ahead of it, they are moving before the ball goes, they are on their bikes.
‘Latrell… he often gets caught in defence, he is very rarely in the picture at the last second when there is a try or when he has the chance to save a try.
Mitchell (pictured with partner Brielle) has had a few services from Anasta
‘That’s where he needs to improve. It comes down to fitness… and being one of those energetic full-backs. He plays differently.’
Criticism of the Rabbitohs has been brutal in some quarters, with the club ranked 17th on the NRL ladder.
They have also only won one match this season – against the Bulldogs in round four.
Mitchell didn’t do himself (and his teammates) any favors either when he was suspended for three games after driving his forearm into Warriors gun Shaun Johnson’s face.
And at the end of April, coach Jason Demetriou was sacked after a club board meeting was called to decide his fate.