Phil Rothfield believes Latrell Mitchell is such a superstar in rugby league on and off the field that he will become the NRL’s first $2 million a season player.
Mitchell has dubbed himself an entertainer and he did plenty of that in Souths’ 30-14 win over the Roosters to advance to the semi-finals and given the salary cap is set to rise next year, Rothfield is convinced he can become the game’s highest paid player.
“What about Latrell Mitchell? He was very good yesterday,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.
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“That try was really pivotal. That was a big moment with two players down to come up with that try. His goal kicking was outstanding.
“He copped it pillar to post last week after the loss to the Roosters and he has bounced back in superb style.”
Rothfield has no doubt the combination of the rise in the salary cap and Mitchell’s marketability will push his yearly earnings to the $2 million mark.
“I have written a story about brand Latrell and I can’t recall a player on and off the field as big as Latrell is,” Rothfield said.
“The sort of superstar status he holds in the game.
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“And while it might sound ridiculous, I can see the day when he becomes a $2 million player. About $1.3 or $1.4 million on the cap and the rest in third parties from the likes of Adidas, Nike, Rebel Sport, Kellog’s, Fox Sports, Kayo, Channel 9, whoever.
“I think he is that big he will be $2 million a year eventually because don’t forget the cap is going up and players like Cleary will be on $1.4m.”
Anasta agreed Mitchell could sell himself to anyone who wants to be involved with Souths and rugby league.
“He is very marketable,” Anasta said.
“He is negotiating as we speak isn’t he?”
“In November,” Rothfield said.
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“I spoke to Blake Solly about it and they have put it off until they are finished.
“They just don’t want to interrupt their finals run.”
Paul Kent believes Mitchell and Souths teammate Cody Walker were the difference in their crunch win over the Roosters.
“In the end I think Cody and Latrell was the difference,” Kent said.
“As the Roosters were trying to square up, they just got back to footy and they were the difference.”
James Hooper commended Mitchell and Walker for staying out of the niggle and letting their football do the talking.
“We are often critical of Latrell and Cody in big games they can get a bit over the edge and they can red line and allow their emotions to get the better of them,” Hooper said.
“This time complete contrast. These two were both outstanding.
“He’s a big game player Latrell. He clearly wanted to respond. There was a lot of headlines about the booing last week and he answered it perfectly by kicking all those goals and submitting a strong performance.”
