Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell has vowed to continue his fight against racism, claiming the direct racist abuse he's personally received recently is unacceptable.
The Roosters' blockbuster preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm was not the main talking point coming out of Mitchell's presser, as he unloaded on the racist trolls that have targeted him over the past few years.
Mitchell, 22, has called online trolls out all year and is happy to do it for as long as it happens,
"I'll do that for the rest of my career, for the rest of my life...call it out," Mitchell told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The New South Wales and Australian star admitted the constant racism he's received has affected him.
"I've had a few rough patches there where a few words that cut deep. At the end of the day they are just words and they won't say it to my face."
The NRL Integrity Unit began an investigation and a host of players across the competition, alongside community leaders, praised Mitchell for calling out the racist trolls publicly.
Mitchell has turned off his social media accounts this week but insisted he'll be back on it after the Roosters season ends.
"I'll focus on myself this week and not worry what people say to try and get me off my game - because I know they're going to do it. I just want to play footy."
He vowed to never give up the fight to end racism, especially against Australia's first inhabitants and believes it's a systematic problem in Australia.
"It is sickening and it is still going on. The stolen generation is still going on. The system is rorted. It has to change."
"I just want to be a great role model for my people and the kids. It has been around for so long it needs to come to an end."
Mitchell understands by speaking out like he is now will again make him a target but it doesn't faze him the slightest.
"My dad would always pull me off the footy field if someone was being racist. There's no point in having it in the game, or anywhere in society."
Three years ago he was at reserve grade game at Leichardt Oval with Roosters coach Trent Robinson watching their then feeder club, the Wyong Roos when he was subject to racist taunts.
"...and this fella called me a black c--- in front of everyone. I just laugh."
But Mitchell insisted all of his attention is on the Melbourne Storm and how tough of an opposition they will be to overcome.
Still, he is indebted to the Roosters and in particular Robinson, for keeping the faith in him over the past few years.
"I am pretty proud of this team, being part of this family," Mitchell said.
Mitchell's Roosters host the Storm in the second preliminary final this Saturday night at the SCG with the winner facing either the Raiders/Rabbitohs in the Grand Final Sunday week.
Don’t agree with racism one bit and does need to be stamped out but at the same time, we need to cut out the over sensitivity and bias as well. It seems that it is ok to call an Englishman a Pommy but not to call an aborigine a black and yet they are both racist terms. Real racism is the intent and the action but not always the word.
This is an interesting one. Some players like to incite/entertain the fans and opposition with their actions, mannerisms and theatrics. It is unusual to receive a comment about who you are or how you look but generally the result of some contributing action.