@weststigers said in [Latrell Mitchell Contract Discussion](/post/1081277) said:
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/latrell-the-best-since-ellery-tigers/news-story/a810b5b95517ce786f04d84207d262fc
Latrell Mitchell is the next Ellery Hanley: Tigers boss
DAVID RICCIO
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER
@DaveRic1
21 MINUTES AGO NOVEMBER 19, 2019
NO COMMENTS
Wests Tigers’ fierce pursuit of Latrell Mitchell is being driven by the belief he will become the greatest recruit since the legendary Ellery Hanley linked with Balmain 32 years ago.
That’s the view of Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis who says the club is unperturbed about the Sydney Roosters star also meeting with North Queensland on Monday.
Granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs by the Roosters after they pulled a two-year contract extension from 2021, the 22-year-old has been told by the Tigers he can fulfil his goal of moving from centre to fullback.
The Tigers are prepared to offer Mitchell a four-year deal worth close to $4 million. The investment would make him the highest-paid player at the club — but worth every cent, according to the man who will sign-off on the deal.
Hagipantelis, who heads up the Tigers’ sponsor Brydens Lawyers — and who also sponsors the NSW Blues State of Origin team — says Mitchell would have the same influence British star Hanley had on Balmain, when in 1988, he inspired the Tigers to the grand final.
“Do I want him (Mitchell)? Absolutely,’’ Hagipantelis said.
“Could he elevate our club to the next level in the number one jumper? Absolutely. He would be the biggest signing our club has had in its joint-venture history and I say that knowing how much respect our club and those who played with him have for Gareth Ellis. But if we wanted to go back beyond the merger, I would suggest Latrell is the biggest signing since Ellery Hanley.
“Latrell Mitchell could be a generational player for the Tigers. I think he would elevate the enthusiasm in our club by 50 per cent. And it would be recognition that the club is heading in the right direction by securing players of that calibre.
“He’s 22 years of age, he’s got two premierships under his belt and a winning Origin series. It’s an opportunity for him to come and stamp his individual brilliance on a club.’’
Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire, football manager Adam Hartigan and chief executive Justin Pascoe drove to Taree last week to meet with the Test centre and his family.
“They have met and spoken,’’ Hagipantelis said. “There’s no secret the Tigers want him and neither should we demure about our enthusiasm for him.’’
Hagipantelis said he took no concern that Mitchell was photographed meeting with Cowboys officials.
North Queensland are weighing up the option to sign the two-time premiership winner during a period in which they wait for confirmation from Valentine Holmes on his intentions to either return to the NRL or persist chasing his NFL dream.
“It’s well-known the Cowboys are looking for a fullback,’’ Hagipantelis said. “I suspect they’re hedging their bets at the moment because it’s been reported there’s been an expression of interest in Valentine Holmes.”
The newly appointed chairman, who has replaced Barry O’Farrell, said the Tigers would like an answer from Mitchell, “sooner rather than later’’.
The Daily Telegraph
DAVID RICCIOCHIEF SPORTS WRITER