Latrell Mitchell lapped up a typically rowdy English crowd in his return to the international stage before being overcome with emotion when Fiji drew the entire Australian team into a post-game prayer circle.
A 13,366-strong Leeds crowd were firmly behind the Bati throughout a clunky but comfortable 42-8 Kangaroos win to open their World Cup campaign, Mitchell scoring his first try in green and gold in the process.
The game’s most magnetic man drew boos from the English fans throughout the game and adoration afterwards, with Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr especially revelling in the atmosphere as coach Mal Meninga had predicted before kick-off.
After a compelling but gruelling year that saw him dominate NRL headlines more than any other player, Mitchell had considered sitting out the World Cup to remain at home with his family.
A phone call from Meninga quickly ensured the Rabbitohs star was back in Australian colours.
When Mitchell was embraced in the traditional Fijian prayer circle featuring all 34 players after full-time, the gesture got the better of him.
Fiji and Australia join together in a post-match prayer circle after the Kangaroos’ 34-point win in Leeds.Credit:Getty
“What [Fiji] do in their culture is all about spreading that good energy, making sure that we’re safe on our journey and they’re safe on their journey,” Mitchell said.
“It was awesome that they did that for us. That passion, it honestly made me tear up because I closed my eyes and started thinking about my family back home, and that’s what they do.
“They’re a very passionate people, and I love when that stuff is shared. It made me connect to my people and my home.
“That’s what [international footy] means, that’s that passion and I love it.”
Meninga lauded Mitchell and Addo-Carr’s leadership qualities before jetting out of Sydney, acknowledging how the pair have matured since breaking COVID-19 protocols in 2020 and being out late the night before Australia’s last Test in 2019 – a shock loss to Tonga.
Latrell Mitchell scores one of Australia’s seven tries.Credit:Getty
At the time Mitchell’s contract saga and protracted shift from the Roosters to the Rabbitohs bruised his reputation in some quarters, making for a markedly different character now he is back representing his country three years later.
“I’m a different person, I’ve grown a lot as a person and matured,” Mitchell said.
“I definitely see myself heading in the right direction and it’s been awesome to be able to display that I’ve grown over the years. I think you can see it on the field.
“I’m representing my people and all of Australia and that’s what it’s about, I love putting the jersey on. Mal’s given me an opportunity to be here again and I want to make the most of it.
“The English crowds are passionate and they bring the atmosphere which is what we want. You have to [embrace it]. There’s a lot of boos and what not, it is what it is but you have to get on with the job and that’s what I’ve done.
“All I can see is the crowds getting bigger, a lot more atmosphere and more passion and we’ll come alive.”
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