- Latrell Mitchell has lifted the lid on his horror season
- He was accused of receiving ‘preferential treatment’
- Says he struggled to cope with the pressure at Souths
Latrell Mitchell has opened up about the mental turmoil of South Sydney’s horror 2023 season, with the footy superstar addressing rumors he received ‘preferential treatment’ from senior figures.
In a candid interview with former Bunnies teammate Josh Mansour, Mitchel admitted the messages “upset me” and he “pretended to be happy” during a disturbing court battle with ACT police.
The full-back has spoken openly about his wrongful arrest alongside new teammate Jack Wighton, with the pair now considering civil action, as well as the abrupt departure of Sam Burgess from the Rabbitohs.
“Everything that happened, you say it didn’t affect you as a person,” Mitchell said when asked about Burgess’ departure.
“It upset me, I tell you what,” Mitchell said.
Latrell Mitchell has started his nightmare season with South Sydney Rabbitohs
The full-back was unable to stop the Bunnies’ slide and succumbed to the pressure
‘But it is what it is. I’m over it now. It’s starting to trickle into your personal life and footy. If you’re not happy off the field, you’ll never perform on it.
“A lot of that seeped into our whole lives and everything that happened just happened. True colors emerge when pressure is applied. They are not losses, they are lessons and I will take them with me into 2024.’
After a good start to the campaign, Mitchell admitted that the pressure placed on him had a negative impact, especially during a dip in form following injury. calf knocking in NSW Origin camp.
“We started really well, were unstoppable and the Rabbitohs defense was great,” Mitchell said.
“I got injured going into the NSW camp, and it was just hard for me to come back and try to find that form again.
‘Ten weeks (injured outside) was too long, I wasn’t cared for the way I should have been, but it is what it is. I just couldn’t find that check mark anymore.
He was also accused of favoritism and was shocked by the departure of Sam Burgess
Mitchell hopes to put 2023 behind him and enjoy a strong 2024 campaign
“I was trying to chase that and (the story) that ‘oh it’s okay, Latrell is back, we’re going to be right, we’re going to win again,’ the pressure of that got to me a little bit. Furthermore, I think we have simply lost that drive and connection, and also the confidence.’
Reflecting on his ordeal in court, Mitchell added: “It was a long ten months, it just dragged on. I knew I was innocent the whole time, I was just trying to prove that I was a good person and it was hard to pretend to be happy for ten months. I’m glad it’s over…
“(With) footy it was a big thing. Obviously trying to perform every day, showing up and performing knowing that that’s still hanging over your head…’