Indigenous star Latrell Mitchell has disclosed that the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights passed on signing him during his junior days.
Podcast Revelations on Overlooked Talent
The 28-year-old fullback shared these insights on The Hello Sport Podcast, marking his first media appearance in over two years. Mitchell had self-imposed a media blackout earlier in 2024 following a heated interview on Triple M.
He pinpointed the Knights as the top club that overlooked him. “Well the Knights were definitely No.1,” Mitchell stated when asked about teams that rejected him. He added that the Knights had similarly missed other stars, including Payne Haas and Hudson Young.
Mitchell also revealed that Bulldogs officials doubted his potential during a trial. “Then I went to trial for the Doggies, and they said I would never play rugby league,” he explained. Podcast co-host Eddy Simpson pressed for details: “Did they say that, like did they just verbalise that to you?” Mitchell clarified, “They didn’t say it to me, but I know they said it in an email to someone.”
Fan Reactions and Mitchell’s Rise
Supporters of both clubs expressed regret online. One fan questioned the Knights’ scouting decisions, while a Bulldogs supporter apologized and wished for his return.
Mitchell has since become one of the NRL’s premier players, representing NSW in State of Origin multiple times and winning two premierships with the Sydney Roosters before joining South Sydney.
Origin Return on the Horizon
Mitchell shines for the Rabbitohs this season and eyes a Blues recall. He recovers from a back injury ahead of South Sydney’s Magic Round matchup against the Dolphins in Brisbane.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett remains confident. “No, I don’t think he will be in doubt,” Bennett said. “He’s got some treatment for it. He’s reacted pretty well to it all, so hopefully, we might have him back next week. But if not, he’ll certainly be right for New South Wales. State of Origin is two and a half weeks away at least, so he’ll certainly be right by then.” The Origin opener is set for May 27 at Accor Stadium.
