South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell admits his game-breaking brilliance “comes easily” and says a fast start is key to beating their bogey side in Magic Round.
The Rabbitohs have lost nine of their past 10 clashes against the Storm – including a narrow defeat in Round 5 – and 32 of 38 all time.
But impressive wins against the Panthers and Broncos has Souths sitting ahead of fourth-placed Melbourne on the ladder in third.
NRL legend Cooper Cronk declared Souths will become premierships if they knock off Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
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Mitchell emphasised his side can match it with the best when they’re switched on from the opening whistle.
“Just the start of games, that’s all it is, we know we can match it with the best and we never give up so I think if we start well we’ll play well,” Mitchell told foxsports.com.au.
“We’re just out here to do a job, we’ve prepared well and Melbourne have taken two points off us already this year.
“We’ve just been trickling along and doing what works for us and that’s playing footy and we’re enjoying that, we’re having fun along the way and I’m looking forward to this game.”
Mitchell has made a habit of breaking open tight games this season and almost single-handedly delivered several victories.
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Future Immortal Johnathan Thurston used to struggle to explain his genius on the field, only offering that everything felt like it happened in slow motion for him.
Foxsports.com.au asked Mitchell if has moments in matches when he simply decides he’s had enough of the back-and-forth and decides to break them open.
“It sounds pretty good when you put it like that. I dunno, to be honest I don’t even think too much when I’m out there, I just do my job and play footy and things just happen,” Mitchell said.
“Just instinctive moves, I’ve done it enough times, it just comes easy I guess.
“It comes from preparation and the confidence comes from that and my training and knowing that I’ve practised everything possible to get myself ready for a game… the game is easy, it’s more about how we prepare through the week.”
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Souths have long been regarded as an attacking juggernaut but coach Jason Demetriou has put a real emphasis on defence this season and they’ve only conceded more than 18 points once in 2023.
The Rabbitohs boast the second-best defence in the competition, only behind the Panthers.
“There’s a big emphasis on it, we’re driving it hard and defence wins games,” Mitchell said.
Young halfback Lachlan Illias’ is proving his critics wrong in 2023 and Mitchell said the form of all his teammates stems from their camaraderie.
“His (Illias) tires have been pumped up enough, he’s doing his job and we just let him go and continue to do his job and kick us into corners and play footy,” Mitchell said.
“We’re just a happy group aye.”
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