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Latrell Mitchell's Wallabies chances take significant hit following latest cross-code switch revelations

Latrell Mitchell. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Embattled NRL star Latrell Mitchell won’t be making the switch from rugby league to rugby union.

The 22-year-old Sydney Roosters centre has been the subject of much discussion across both codes in Australia as his playing future remains up in the air.

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Mitchell rejected an $800,000-per-season contract extension with the Roosters, where he notified the reigning NRL champions that he would like to explore his options at the conclusion of current deal, which ends next year.

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Consequently, the Wests Tigers entered the hunt for the four-test Kangaroo international’s services, but the Sydney-based club withdrew their $3.8 million, four-year offer last week after they reportedly felt as if they were being used as a back-up alternative, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mitchell, who has also represented New South Wales four times at State of Origin level, has since been left lacking options in rugby league.

The North Queensland Cowboys have ruled themselves out from acquiring the youngster in 2020 after signing Valentine Holmes from the New York Jets in the NFL, but remain interested from 2021 onwards, although they have not yet lodged a formal offer for his transfer.

With Mitchell’s imminent free agency piquing the interest of few clubs across Australia, representatives of the two-time NRL champion contacted Rugby Australia late last week to gauge if there is any interest in making their man a Wallabies prospect.

However, The Daily Telegraph reports that while discussions were had about taking Mitchell on board at RA, no official offer was made, and preliminary interest in the potential cross-code switch has diminished.

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The newspaper said it understood that the reasoning behind RA’s opposition of the move was because incoming Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie won’t take up his new position until next July, while other off-contract players were regarded as higher priorities to be re-signed by the union.

Additionally, the organisation, along with the New South Wales Waratahs, are still dealing with Israel Folau’s $14 million legal battle over his controversial sacking in April.

“Latrell was discussed but RA has other priorities,” a source told The Daily Telegraph. “No one spoke to his management.

“RA has players that need to be re-signed and the Folau case needs to be finalised.

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“They also have a new head coach who isn’t here in the country yet. They wanted to make sure Rennie was involved in those recruitment and selection decisions.

“Even if RA thought he was a good idea, the time just isn’t right.

“There is no doubt he a prodigious talent. Latrell is probably the best talent people have seen in the game for a long time.

“His natural ability is unbelievable but he’s just not right for RA at the moment.”

That means Mitchell looks likely to stay in the NRL beyond 2020, with the Gold Coast Titans emerging as the favourites for his signature as they remain the only club in the competition still actively pursuing him.

He is expected to meet with officials of the struggling Queensland club, which finished in last place this year, in the coming days.

In other news:

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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