Souths superstar Latrell Mitchell has responded to criticism of his involvement in the first half of the Rabbitohs’ 18-10 loss to the Storm in Round 5.
Souths coach Jason Demetriou wanted Mitchell to get more involved earlier in the game after he managed 27 metres from just three runs in the first half.
Mitchell was asked about his involvement at a press conference on Tuesday after being told he had 20 touches at the end of the clash with the Storm.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs Press Conference | 05:34
“Well there you go 20 touches, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many touches in my life,” Mitchell joked.
“Nah look it is definitely something to work on. Everyone has got something to work on and I think instead of chasing our tails in the back end we should be starting the game earlier.
“And for me personally I know I need to get my hands on the ball a bit more earlier and get in the game and flip the mentality.
“But it is only Round 5 and we will get the panic out and start playing footy.”
Pressed on what Demetriou is looking for from him, Mitchell believes it is about getting in the right head space and taking the game on from the first whistle.
“100 per cent it is a mindset,” Mitchell said.
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“It is an individual thing, practice and do it out here (training).
“If everyone is turning up on the day ready to play footy then the job is easy.
“I think it just about having more of an impact on the team.
“Taking a carry or two more early maybe. But that is something me and him will talk about and we will go from there.
“He hasn’t said too much, but he says a lot and he always knows the right thing to say and I always know how to take it on the chin.
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“It is definitely a special relationship that we get to have as coach and player and he knows what he is doing.”
Mitchell said he welcomed constructive criticism from his coach and teammates in a bid to help the team climb form their current 13th place on the ladder.
“Yeah 100 per cent I turn up every week,” Mitchell said.
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“It’s what I do is turn up every day to be my best and I have to put my best foot forward.
“This is a job we love to do and we have got to start making it enjoyable for ourselves.”
Mitchell was pressed on whether he is an easy target every time Souths lose given how much he does for the team.
“It’s lonely at the top, but we know what we need to do,” Mitchell said.
“I have got a great support network here and the boys are like brothers and it is a family orientation that I love to have. This is why I am at the Rabbitohs.”
Souths have been below their best to start the season, especially in attack, but Mitchell is confident they can iron out their issues after a meeting of the team’s senior players this week.
“Look we are just getting a few of the things out that we need to get out and we had a good conversation as leaders this morning,” Mitchell said.
“We know what we need to work on. We will train it this week and practice and get our learnings.
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“We started last year in a similar situation, but I didn’t really start last year either. I had a pretty up and down rollercoaster the last few years, so I’m pretty excited to see how it all pans out.
“I’m very excited for the next two games in this five week block.”
Mitchell was asked about his work as a role model for Indigenous people ahead of his milestone match.
“I don’t think I have to answer that, I think my actions off the field speak for a lot of those things,” Mitchell said.
“I try to present myself as best I can for those kids and try to be a great role model.
“But that’s just something that happens naturally. I don’t try to force it on anyone. I just try to be me and be the country kid that I once was.”
Mitchell reminded everyone he is still a young man and learning as he goes along in the NRL.
“Everyone thinks I am 35 and at the end of my career and meant to know everything,” Mitchell said.
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“I’m only 25 still and I’m still learning. That’s the beauty of our game. We get to enjoy it every week and take our learnings. I don’t take them us losses, I take them as lessons.
“I have got plenty more to do. It is just about staying in the fight and waking up every day and being motivated to do so for my teammates, for my family and for this club.”
Mitchell admitted the 150 game milestone was a big one given where he has come from.
“It is going to be a big week, I am very excited,” Mitchell said.
“I never thought I would play one game as a kid from Taree, let a lone to play 150 it is definitely very special to me and my family.
“It’s just learning from my experiences, I have had to grow a lot in such a short period of time.
“I thank you fellas (journalists) for that to be honest (laughs). But look 150 games I’m very proud and can’t wait.”
