Mal Meninga knows plenty of people will be questioning how Latrell Mitchell can play in a Koori Knockout but be unavailable for Australia.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga was initially “surprised” Latrell Mitchell played in the Koori Knockout last weekend after South Sydney informed him he would be unavailable to represent Australia due to a finger injury.
Meninga accepted that plenty of people would have questioned how Mitchell could pass on the green and gold, but then represent the Newcastle Yowies.“I’ve had a think about it, and from my perspective, it’s more about what he can do for the Indigenous community, and giving his time back to the community and his time back to the First Nations people,” Meninga said.
Then there was the racial abuse he received from a spectator at Penrith in round two, talk of preferential treatment from Souths’ coaching staff - which was quickly shot down by club officials - and a talkback radio caller claiming his grandchild was told to wait for a photo.“In this instance, the club made a decision on his behalf, and we’ll abide by the club’s decision,” Meninga said.“He has had an up and down year, we all know that.
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