Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton show unity after nightclub fight ahead of NRL All Stars match
>
Brawl’s brothers Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton have risen to their feet to show there is no bad blood ahead between the pairing of the Rugby League All Stars Match against NZ Maori.
The NRL stars shared jokes, laughed and hugged on their way to their team bus on Monday to show there was no bad blood after their arrest on Saturday.
The couple were seen fighting in the street after a night of celebrations for Wighton’s 30th birthday before being arrested and detained.
The representative stars of South Sydney and Canberra fell silent on Monday morning following the alleged fight in Canberra on Saturday night that led to their being jailed overnight.
However, they issued the following joint statement:
“We apologize for what happened in Canberra and take full responsibility for our actions,” the couple said.
“We are not in a position to comment on exactly what happened because it is the subject of an upcoming court case. We both understand that it’s not a good look for the game at that time of night.
“We are sorry that this happened and we look forward to moving forward once the legal process is complete. It was originally a bit of fun that got out of hand.
Mitchell and Wighton are teammates from New South Wales and Australia and are scheduled to play together for the Indigenous All Stars this weekend.
After spending the night in the police lockup, Wighton and Mitchell returned to the Raiders star’s home for breakfast with their respective partners.
On Monday morning around 7am, they boarded the Indigenous All Stars team bus ahead of next Saturday’s game, but the couple may still be wiped out even if they have reconciled in private.
The players have been charged with multiple offenses by ACT Police and the NRL Integrity Unit is continuing to investigate the matter.
Mitchell shared this image of Wighton and Mitchell that the Souths star shared on social media the night before the incident took place.
Another image shared by Mitchell on the night of the incident with a big smile and a cowboy hat on
The duo refused to comment to the media as they boarded the team bus in Sydney heading to the airport for their flight to New Zealand for the All Stars clash.
Mitchell showed no signs of discomfort or straps on his shoulder and both made sure to walk side by side as they entered the bus.
Earlier news corporation reported that Mitchell needed to be evaluated for a suspected shoulder injury after being injured during the arrest.
Indigenous All Stars coach Ronnie Griffiths told the Sydney Morning Herald that neither player was injured.
“They’re both good, they walked in together last night and the love they felt in the room was exactly what they needed to refill their glass,” he told The Associated Press. Sydney Morning Herald.
“One of our seniors, Edward Monaei, who is from Torres Strait, when the two guys came in and all the staff were there, he stood up in front of everyone and said, ‘Our circle is now complete.’
Mitchell is a proud representative of the Indigenous All Stars and coach Ronnie Griffiths said he was fit and ready to play this weekend.
‘[Latrell’s] All good, saw the Souths doctor on Sunday. All players needed to pass a medical exam before entering camp.
“Both guys are on this journey to build the other guys culturally and spiritually, but the ultimate goal is for them to be there to play as well.
‘I know there could not be a prouder moment for Latrell and his brother Shaquai to play there together.
‘Latrell is a world-class player. Everyone is looking forward to New Zealand to develop the game, and it’s certainly an attraction.’
South Sydney issued a statement but did not mention any injuries their star fullback has suffered.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of an alleged incident involving Latrell Mitchell this morning in Canberra,” the statement read.
The Rabbitohs have informed the NRL’s Integrity Unit of the alleged incident.
The Rabbitohs will have no further comment at this time.
Josh Addo-Carr, Mitchell and Wighton share their proud indigenous heritage. All three were set to represent the Indigenous All Stars. Addo-Carr has ruled himself out to focus on the Bulldogs, while Mitchell and Wighton are subject to NRL investigation
Boxing promoter Matt Rose is managing both players and said there was little to the incident.
“They’re always fighting,” Rose said.
‘They both think they are stronger than the other and are joking all the time. It was a bit of fun gone wrong after a few drinks.
An anonymous NRL player also defended the pair.
“They were just mates who had had a bit to drink, gambling,” he said.
“But then cops came from everywhere: about four of them jumped on Latrell and knocked him to the ground and twisted his arms behind his back.
“He didn’t resist and yelled at them to stop hurting him.
“It was actually very distressing to watch and my girlfriend was in tears. It was a massive overreaction.
Mitchell leads the rallying cry for the Indigenous All Stars during the match against the Maori All Stars at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville in 2021.
.ACT Police issued the following statement:
“At around 3:45am ACT, police responded to reports of a disturbance near a nightclub on Bunda Street in the city,” a police spokesperson said.
“Two men, a 30-year-old man from Bywong, NSW and a 25-year-old man from Chifley, NSW, were arrested at the scene,” it said.
The 30-year-old was charged with fighting in a public place and violating an exclusion order, while the 25-year-old was charged with fighting in a public place, brawling and territorial resistance to a public official. ‘