Latrell Mitchell’s injury ruled him out of playing for Australia – but he starred in an Indigenous footy tournament instead: Here’s why Anthony Albanese is defending him
- Latrell Mitchell has support from Anthony Albanese
- Souths star will not feature in Kangaroos
- Instead, he will continue his recovery from a finger injury
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has jumped to the defense of NRL star Latrell Mitchell, saying he had every right to play in an indigenous rugby league tournament last weekend after an injury prevented him from playing for the national team.
It comes after the Rabbitohs had no issue with Mitchell’s decision to compete in the annual Koori Knockout on the NSW central coast after the NRL club withdrew him from coach Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad due to a finger tendon injury.
There has been some suggestion that Mitchell should have played in the upcoming end-of-season tests against Samoa and New Zealand, as well as in the recent PM’s XIII match against Papua New Guinea, but the star fullback opted instead to play in Tuggerah.
Albanese – a Rabbitohs tragic – has weighed in on the drama and stated that the decision to play should be Mitchell’s.
“Latrell is a proud Indigenous Australian. The Koori Knockout has a great history,” he said on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has jumped to the defense of NRL star Latrell Mitchell, saying he had every right to play in an indigenous rugby league last weekend.
It comes after the Rabbitohs had no issue with Mitchell’s decision to play in the annual Koori Knockout on the NSW central coast after the NRL club withdrew him from Mal Meninga’s Australian squad due to a finger injury.
“It’s a fantastic celebration for First Nations people and at a time when First Nations people are at the center of the country because of the referendum (on October 14).
‘It is not surprising that people come together to express that solidarity with each other and enjoy each other’s company.’
Mitchell laced his boots for the Newcastle Yowies in the Koori Knockout, playing in just one match.
It is believed Rabbitoh officials personally pointed out that the physical demands placed on him during the tournament were nowhere near what is required to represent Australia.
The 26-year-old also has a court hearing on October 30 in Canberra, where he will fight charges of resisting a public servant in the area, fighting in a public place and failing to comply with an exclusion order.
The case stems from an alleged fight outside a nightclub involving soon-to-be South Sydney teammate Jack Wighton in February.
Mitchell has his supporters on social media after defending his decision to enter the Koori Knockout tournament
Mitchell later posted an image using legendary boxer Muhammad Ali to illustrate what playing in the tournament meant to him
One footy fan backed the Rabbitohs superstar
A spokesperson for South Sydney said this News Corp: ‘Latrell’s finger injury would have prevented him from training and playing for the six weeks required for the PM XIII and Pacific Championships matches.
‘The finger would not have lasted four games of international football.
“He also has a magistrates hearing on October 30 in Canberra that he will have to prepare for and concentrate on. It was a dueling combination.
“We have spoken to NRL and Kangaroos staff about this and they understand and support the reasons why Latrell is unavailable.”