After an impressive return from long-term injury in Round 16, South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named captain of the club for the first time ahead of this weekโs clash with the Newcastle Knights.
Although heโs played at every level, itโs the first time in Mitchellโs 132-game NRL career that heโs been handed the on-field leadership role โ and he couldnโt be happier.
โItโs up there with a grand final for me,โ Mitchell told SEN. โItโs such an honour. Iโve never captained anything in any sport in my life.โ
While the absence of Origin stars Cam Murray and Damien Cook has impacted the clubโs on-field leadership structure, coach Jason Demetriou said Mitchell was being rewarded for his maturity.
That maturity was on display when Mitchell decided to make himself unavailable for Blues selection and focus on his recovery and club football, despite his dominant display against the Parramatta Eels in Round 16.
โOver the last couple of years itโs been a steady journey,โ the Rabbitohs coach said.
โItโs a big sacrifice to leave the (Blues) and thatโs been part of his journey as a leader.โ
Demetriou said that Mitchellโs influence on younger and less experienced players coming in to cover injuries and representative duty was a key factor in the decision.
โHeโs done everything in the game. If I was a young player, Iโd definitely be leaning towards him.โ
Mitchell and South Sydney will be looking to continue the clubโs long-standing dominance over Newcastle, having lost just two of their past 13 encounters with the Knights in a period stretching back to 2012.
