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Cook: Latrell Mitchell is capable of taking his game to new heights
By AAP
South Sydney veteran Damien Cook believes fullback Latrell Mitchell is capable of taking his game to new heights and hoisting the Rabbitohs into premiership contention.
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The Rabbitohs have put their indifferent start to the season behind them and won all three games since Mitchell’s comeback from a long-term hamstring injury.
Mitchell has improved week-to-week on his return to the NRL and masterminded the late surge that helped the Rabbitohs topple Canterbury in round 18.
He finished with three try assists, three line break assists and a try but Cook said the fullback’s best was yet to come.
“He can go to another level,” Cook said.
“I think he’s been building nicely. He’s obviously had some massive highlights that we saw on the weekend and he’s been playing some good footy.
“He can change the game with one play but I definitely think he’s going to keep improving.”
Cook said it was up to Mitchell’s teammates to create an environment in which he could thrive.
“We just need to make sure that we’re providing a good platform,” he said.
“If we keep doing that, there’s no doubt that we can all jump on Latrell’s back and he can carry us through to the premiership.”
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Mitchell’s form could cause problems for the Rabbitohs’ retention department. He, Cook and Cody Walker all come off contract at the end of next season and are free to negotiate with rival clubs from November.
The trio will command big sums but are hoping to squeeze under the Rabbitohs’ salary cap together.
“Me and Cody laughed about it this morning, it’s probably not a good time to come off contract with Latrell,” he said.
“Whatever he leaves behind for us, we might pick up the scraps and split it between us.
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“We love this club. We’ve got a great bond. A lot of hard work has gone into our combinations.”
Cook did not become a regular first-grader until he was 25 and said he hoped to make the most out of his playing days by signing a three-year contract extension that would expire after his 35th birthday.
“Whether it’s down to the later start of my career,” Cook said, “I know I’m feeling good.”
Cook and fellow State of Origin representative Cameron Murray have been named to return for Saturday’s clash against Melbourne, having been rested for round 18.
Murray suffered a concussion early in the Origin decider but trained on Wednesday and is expected to play.
