Souths star Latrell Mitchell has hinted at what it might take for him to follow former Rabbitoh Jordan Mailata over to the NFL and switch sports, following reports the NRL are ready to take pre-season games to Las Vegas.
The NRL is reportedly preparing to start the 2024 season with a double-header in Sin City, with league bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo to travel to the US to begin the planning.
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Mitchell, already a known fan of other codes, was keen on the idea when asked how he felt about the NRL’s international expansion strategy by news.com.au.
“I’d like to go to Vegas!” Mitchell said.
“Look, that’s up to the NRL and Peter, the head honchos.
“We’re just here to entertain, and if we can grow our game to create more sustainability for us, put more food on the table, a bigger roof over our heads, I’m all for it.”
With an ongoing debate in the competition over whether the league should focus on international expansion or domestic consolidation, Mitchell knows what he wants from the league.
“Allowing teams to experience the world and go and play … we play in England … I don’t want to go anywhere near the cold,” he said.
“America, I know they’re mad on (Australian sport), I’ve seen a lot of YouTube videos of them spectating our game. I’ve gotta say it’s pretty funny.
“Do you go global? Definitely.”
Asked whether he’s in contact with former rugby league players that headed over to the NFL, such as Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata, Mitchell said he wasn’t, but that he loved watching Australians perform overseas.
“Nah, he (Mailata) is a big dog now, I’m just a little Aussie rugby league player,” he said.
“Obviously the Super Bowl was so big for us, and you know how proud everyone is of any Australian that’s having a crack over there.
“It’s all love, big Jordie, I love watching him play. It’s been really enjoyable to see him be able to go from North Sydney Bears and South Sydney to such a global stage, and he is looking after his family and I bet that’s all he’s focused on.”
He added: “I’d be one year, in and out! See ya later!”
Pressed on whether his jokes had an element of truth to them, Mitchell downplayed any suggestion of the code switch, now a well-worn path by the likes of Valentine Holmes and Jarryd Hayne.
“Nah, I couldn’t do it, it’s too far away from home for me. If they had a farm for me with a few horses and cows, I’d be happy,” he said.
Mitchell’s remarks came ahead of a marquee Magic Round clash with the Melbourne Storm, with Mitchell starring in a comprehensive 28-12 win for the men from Redfern, taking them to second on the ladder.
Mobbed by young fans in Brisbane ahead of Magic Round, Mitchell said the attention and love he receives particularly from young Indigenous fans was humbling.
“It’s very special,” he said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it to be honest. It’s very humbling.”
Mitchell is a fan of the AFL and Dustin Martin’s Richmond Tigers, and after the AFL’s Gather Round in Adelaide earlier this year, reflected on and compared the NRL’s original concept, in its fourth iteration this weekend.
“I think (Gather Round) was a success, obviously by watching it, I love Richmond, so hopefully they can get a few wins on the board, but it’s a great initiative for (both codes) and just generating interest,” he said.
“I think playing at one ground, everyone can just see it there and pack a stadium out – that’s what players want.
“I think it’s enjoyable to watch – Magic Round’s awesome. There’s a buzz around the city.”
