Souths NRL star Latrell Mitchell reveals what really happened with his messy split from the Roosters

NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell has revealed why he left the Roosters and how he slept on the floor for a year at a relative’s home as he looked to break into the NRL as a starry-eyed youngster.

The Rabbitohs fullback also confirmed the two rival clubs he loves beating because they refused to give him a shot at first grade.

Mitchell, 25, reflected on his career ahead of the NRL’s Indigenous Round and revealed previously close-guarded secrets about his time with the Tricolours.

After winning premierships in 2018 and 2019, Mitchell defected to the Rabbitohs in a bombshell move ahead of the 2020 season – and admitted it was the hardest decision of his career.

‘It was also a really weird situation, I went through two managers to be able to be where I am … I’ve never really spoken about it, to be honest,’ he told Fox Sports.

NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell has revealed why he left the Roosters and how he slept on the floor for a year at a relative’s home as he looked to break into the NRL 

Mitchell (pictured, with partner Brielle Mercy after an Origin game for NSW) made his NRL debut in 2016 and is now one of the code’s superstars

‘I wasn’t treated very well but at the end of the day I had to get on with my life and keep going. 

‘It sort of made that relationship between the Roosters and I sour because of the communication barrier between manager and club.

‘But at the end of the day I’ve had to move on. If I had my time over I definitely would’ve done it different, but I’m where I’m meant to be.’

And that is at South Sydney, where the gun fullback is an adored figure.

And while he hasn’t landed a premiership yet, Mitchell will do everything in his power to ensure once he retires he is held in similar esteem to the likes of club greats John Sattler and Sam Burgess.

Mitchell also hasn’t forgotten the hard times he had to endure to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Before breaking into the NRL, he slept on the floor at his uncle’s house for 12 months on the NSW Central Coast as he chased his lofty dreams.

The Roosters soon eventually came calling after he scored three tries against them in a junior representative match at Henson Park in Sydney – and the rest is history.

Mitchell won his second NRL premiership in 2019 after the Roosters beat the Raiders – and now he’s desperate to win another at Redfern

Mitchell then jumped ship to bitter rivals South Sydney in 2020 – and has now revealed the defection from the Bunnies’ biggest rivals 

And look away now, Knights and Bulldogs fans – they are the two NRL sides Mitchell loves beating year after year, after Newcastle overlooked the Taree junior and Canterbury officials – namely Noel ‘Crusher’ Cleal – told him he wasn’t good enough for first grade.

Mitchell is off contract in 2027 – but has no plans to leave the Rabbitohs.

He is all about leaving a legacy, so for the time being, life on his farm at Taree can remain a passion project.

It will be music to the ears of Bunnies supporters, who know with Mitchell fit and firing, the ‘pride of the league’ have their best chance of snaring another NRL premiership.