@pawsandclaws1 said in [Alex Johnston Contract Discussion](/post/1093098) said:
Mitchell will not accept missing Origin and other rep football if Roosters make him sit out 2020 in CC. The pressure is on to clear cap space at South's for 2020. Do the Titans have the cap space after buying the young Storm forward for Gagai? Douehi would look good back with the Tigers.
SYDNEY Roosters coach Trent Robinson is ready to coach Latrell Mitchell next season — a truth highlighted by the fact the pair joked over beers and pizza this week.
The Daily Telegraph was on hand on Wednesday evening when Mitchell, Robinson and NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler met for dinner at Old Bar Tavern, roughly 20 minutes outside Taree.
Despite suggestions the Roosters’ playing group is “off” Mitchell — and that he has fallen out with Fittler — the Kangaroos star spent several hours laughing and joking within a group that also included teammates Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton and Mitch Aubusson.
While Fittler and company have been touring northern NSW communities affected by bushfires, Mitchell is staying with family in Taree while weighing up his NRL future. Despite the 22-year-old’s ongoing contract saga, Mitchell mixed openly, and warmly, with not only Fittler and Robinson but fellow Roosters players.
So what chance, given all the love in the room, rugby league’s most enigmatic free agent could be helping the Roosters push for a three-peat in 2020?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Robinson told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
“But I am ready for Latrell to be there. And I’m ready to coach him.
“Latrell Mitchell is a player who has delivered for us many, many times. A guy who adds real value to our group.
“Plus, I think you saw on Wednesday night, there isn’t a drama at all … Latrell is still very close with myself and the players.”
THE MEETING
While a previous commitment prevented Mitchell joining Fittler’s touring party throughout the day, he was quick to meet up with the group for dinner.
“People don’t seem to understand that two parties can think differently about a situation and still really care for each other,” Robinson said. “That’s something I’ve spoken with Latrell about.
“While there is a difference in what both parties want, we are still very close.
“We’ve lived a lot together. So if he decides to stay, we’ll have a discussion about that. And if not, I’ll love him and thank him.”
RESERVE GRADE
Robinson rejected suggestions Mitchell, who remains contracted for 2020, would be dumped to reserve grade if he stayed with the club.
“No, no, that’s not right,” he said. “If Latrell decides to stay, we’ll have a discussion about the reasons and where his passion sits. Then, we move forward. Say, ‘righto, how do you be great this year’?”
The coach said his biggest frustration was the way, throughout the saga, Mitchell had been branded disloyal, greedy, even tagged a player rival NRL clubs didn’t want.
“Latrell Mitchell is an outstanding person,” Robinson said. “The whole time he’s been here at the Roosters, there has never been an issue.
“Not one. So whatever his decision … don’t question him as a person. I actually can’t believe there are clubs (saying publicly) that they don’t want Latrell Mitchell.
“The guy is a freak. The NRL top points scorer.
“Even at 22, he’s the guy who delivers in big moments.”
SOUTH SYDNEY
While Robinson hopes to have a decision from Mitchell by early next month, he has given no thought to the centre playing for the club’s fierce arch rival, South Sydney.
“Out of my control,” he said.
Robinson also took a shot at those advising the indigenous All-Star.
“I think Latrell has been poorly advised,” he said. “And he and I have spoken about this. Management should look at all the outside possibilities for a player before then going back to the club and saying, ‘OK, what is your offer’? You don’t go to your club first, get an offer and then say, ‘OK, now we’re going to look outside’.”
DISAPPOINTMENT
Recently, there have been suggestions the Roosters were upset with Mitchell for rejecting a $1.6 million extension, reaching out to Canterbury during the finals, even skipping the club’s US premiership party.
“I’ve never been disappointed in Latrell,” Robinson stressed. “This is his life and I’m OK with him making decisions about his future.
“And I hope people understand us making decisions about our future, too.
“You aren’t talking about a $100,000 contract here.
“This is game-changing money and we have an entire squad of players to worry about.”