Latrell Mitchell's father insists his family loves what the Roosters have done for his son, remaining perplexed about the source of speculation the NRL's brightest star is being encouraged to continue his career at the Rabbitohs.
Mitchell's dad Matt, who played for South Sydney before returning to Taree owing to homesickness, admitted to always being a Bunnies supporter as the Roosters fear their arch-rivals are readying a big play for the 21-year-old.
Loving life: Latrell Mitchell celebrates a record-breaking night against the Tigers.Credit:AAP
The Australian and NSW star's current Roosters deal ends at the end of the 2020 season.
Mitchell deflected questions over his future after an extraordinary performance against the Tigers at the SCG on Saturday night, one which will only fuel interest from rival clubs with 18 months still left to run on his contract.
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The Rabbitohs have lost captain Greg Inglis to an early retirement and could have the funds free to make an audacious bid for Mitchell, who has long spoken of his desire to be his own man despite comparisons to Inglis.
Asked about the Rabbitohs link, Matt said: "I don't even know who started the rumour.
"He's got a contract with the Roosters and he wants to honour that. His mum and I both love the club and what they've done for him so far. Look what the Roosters have done, they're such a professional organisation. We love his coach [Trent Robinson], he's a good coach.
"No one's even mentioned anything about Souths. I love Souths. That's the team I barrack for, but I've got a soft spot for the Roosters. We love going to games and from the office ladies to the top, they're all lovely people. He's comfortable there."
Mitchell is working through a messy split with his agent, which has prompted the intervention of the Rugby League Players Association as Roosters officials privately worry family members are nudging Mitchell to Redfern.
He is yet to formalise a deal for a new representative, but it hasn't affected his form as he produced a scintillating three-try, 26-point performance to single-handedly destroy the Tigers.
"We've just told him the last couple of weeks to concentrate on footy and everything else will fall into place," Matt said. "[The RLPA] have been good support. He's just bought a house and he's the first one in our family to buy his own home and we're proud of him.
"He's been [at the Roosters] since he was 16 and he said the other day, 'I'm almost one of the seniors now and I think [after] a few more games I might be there'."
Robinson deployed Mitchell at five-eighth earlier this season when Cooper Cronk was out with injury and it is believed he sees his future in a role closer toRead More – Source
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