- Latrell Mitchell was on the verge of quitting the NRL last year
- Jack Wighton’s wrongful arrest trial was exhausting
- Mitchell, 26, now determined to excel on the field for Rabbitohs
NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell has sensationally revealed he almost quit the sport last year before boldly declaring his intention to become the Code’s best fullback this season.
Mitchell endured a drama-filled 2023, with a series of niggling injuries and a lengthy court battle alongside Jack Wighton adding to his frustration.
All charges against the footy stars were eventually dropped after a leading ACT police officer admitted providing false evidence.
The 26-year-old was then at the center of Souths legend Sam Burgess walking out of the club after accusing coach Jason Demetriou of giving the representative star special treatment.
Mitchell said it had been ‘100 per cent’ one of the toughest years of his life and revealed he was seriously considering quitting the sport for good.
NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell has revealed he almost quit the sport last year – before declaring his intention to become the code’s best fullback this season
Mitchell endured a drama-filled 2023, with a series of niggling injuries and a lengthy court battle alongside Jack Wighton adding to his frustration
After speaking to his family about his future, Mitchell decided to ‘grit his teeth’ and continue his NRL career
“I just think it was absolutely mentally exhausting. It got to the point where rugby league wasn’t fun anymore,” he told 9News.
“It was a conversation I had to have with my family… to see where I was in life and if I could possibly continue doing this.
‘I also asked myself: is it still fun? Can I continue to tolerate people?
“It is what it is, but (in the end) I couldn’t leave this game knowing I wasn’t going out on my own terms.”
Mitchell added that it is now ‘time to grit his teeth and grind’ and that starts with showing he is the best full-back in the game.
South Sydney open the NRL season when they take on the Manly Sea Eagles in Las Vegas on March 3 (1.30pm, AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium.
In the clash – part of a historic double header in Sin City also involving the Roosters and Broncos – Mitchell will face Tom Trbojevic, who will have to prove his own point when he returns from injury.