7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has made his first press conference appearance in almost two years, declaring his loyalty lies with the Rabbitohs and addressing his self-imposed media blackout.
Mitchell — arguably the code’s most captivating star and one of its proudest Indigenous voices — has kept a low profile for the past two seasons. Teammates Cameron Murray and Keaon Koloamatangi were scheduled to speak to media at Tuesday’s weekly interview opportunity, but to the surprise of the press pack, Mitchell fronted up.
The 28-year-old had not spoken publicly since the 2024 season, when he was photographed leaning over a table with a white powder in a motel in Dubbo. In the same season Mitchell also courted controversy by giving an expletive-laden post-match interview on radio station Triple M. He was fined by his club and the NRL and served a one-match suspension over the Dubbo incident, but did not want to discuss the fallout on Tuesday.
“We’ll leave that one,” Mitchell said. In Mitchell’s defence, he has let his football do the talking to start this year. Souths sit fourth heading into Saturday’s meeting with Cronulla, and Mitchell has been back to his dominant best, scoring 11 tries in eight games.
“Not talking to you , that’s probably why ... I thought I’d come out and have a yarn,” Mitchell said. He said he chose to break his silence to celebrate the 150th NRL game milestone of Campbell Graham, and said his time out of the spotlight had helped him mature.
“I reckon I’ve made myself that to be honest,” Mitchell said. “There’s my family. I’ve got to be a leader there and turn myself into a role model for my kids.
“For me it’s all about giving back to them and showing them that you’ve got to keep doing what you need to do and not kick stones and get on with the job. ” The transformation in Mitchell’s fortunes can be attributed to his positional switch. He had mainly played as a fullback in his previous seasons at the Bunnies, but in 2026 has reverted to centre - the position where he won two premierships with the Sydney Roosters.
“It’s been good, I approached Wayne and I just said to him that I just want to be a team player,” Mitchell said. “Wherever that is for you Wayne, I’ll do it, I’ll play front row for him. ” There was a thought among the press pack gathered at Heffron Park on Tuesday that Mitchell would announce a contract extension when there was a loud cheer from the Bunnies’ meeting room.
Mitchell is off contract at the end of 2027 - the season before the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL - and his agent Warwick “Wok’‘ Wright was present at Souths’ Maroubra training base earlier in the day. Wright was the agent who facilitated Jarome Luai’s move to the Chiefs, but Mitchell played a straight bat.
“Who’s that? Is that a team? ,” Mitchell retorted when asked about interest from the Chiefs.
“South Sydney is where it’s at. ” Mitchell is considered a shoo-in for NSW selection and endured a down year at State of Origin level - he has seven tries in 11 Blues games - but failed to cross the line last season when Queensland claimed a 2-1 series victory.
“I love the Blues, it’s NSW, it’s what we represent,” Mitchell said.
Please follow us on Google to support us NRL Sport South Sydney Rabbitohs Lifestyle Sponsored Content Sport
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Latrell Mitchell's Heroics Not Enough as Rabbitohs Fall Short in ThrillerLatrell Mitchell nearly led South Sydney to an incredible comeback against Newcastle, scoring a stunning try and converting to give his team the lead late in the game. Despite a thrilling finish with multiple penalties and a chaotic melee, the Knights held on to win 42-38 in a high-scoring, action-packed match.
Read more »
Sydney Sweeney Cheers for the Swans in Sydney, Embracing Australian Sports CultureAmerican actress Sydney Sweeney was spotted at the SCG supporting the Sydney Swans, showcasing her love for AFL and her growing bond with Australia. She shared her experiences on social media, including climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with her family.
Read more »
‘Welcome to TrellaVision’: Latrell Mitchell finally breaks his media silenceThe South Sydney star had been on a self-imposed media for over a year. On Tuesday, he made an unscripted appearance in front of the cameras – and this is why.
Read more »
‘Welcome to TrellaVision’: Latrell Mitchell finally breaks his media silenceThe South Sydney star had been on a self-imposed media for over a year. On Tuesday, he made an unscripted appearance in front of the cameras – and this is why.
Read more »
‘Welcome to TrellaVision’: Latrell Mitchell finally breaks his media silenceThe South Sydney star had been on a self-imposed media ban for over a year. On Tuesday, he made an unscripted appearance in front of the cameras – and this is why.
Read more »
‘It’s a special occasion’: Latrell’s lifts 18-month media ban with shock press conferenceNRL: South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has finally broken his media silence, in the main to celebrate teammate Campbell Graham's milestone match.
Read more »