It’s rare to come across a rugby league player like Latrell Mitchell. At just 25 years of age, the South Sydney Rabbitohs sensation has established himself as one of the game’s outstanding players, with his tenacity, skill, and league IQ attracting plenty of eyes to the sport.
Since debuting in the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2016 for the legendary Sydney Roosters, the player affectionately nicknamed ‘Trell’ has carved out a stunning career with the Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, New South Wales Blues, and Australia’s national rugby league side, the Kangaroos.
Alongside his NRL career, Mitchell is deeply connected to his Indigenous heritage, which he proudly illustrates through his clothing label Winmarra (meaning ‘Mountain People’) and an Instagram page dedicated to showcasing hunting, gathering, and fishing in the mid-north coast of NSW. With all that added together to make him who he is, it’s fair to say, Mitchell is no ordinary NRL player.
In This Latrell Mitchell Story…
- Latrell Mitchell Quick Facts
- Who is Latrell Mitchell?
- Latrell Mitchell’s NRL Career
- What type of player is Latrell Mitchell?
- Latrell Mitchell Career Stats
- Latrell Mitchell Partner
- Latrell Mitchell Salary
- What is Latrell Mitchell like off the field?
- Latrell Mitchell: Outdoor Adventurer
- Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton Arrested
- Latrell Mitchell’s Clothing Label
- Latrell Mitchell Documentary
- Unwind
- Finding Peace
- Family
Latrell Mitchell Quick Facts
| Name: | Latrell Mitchell |
| Age: | 26 |
| Date of Birth: | 16 June 1997 |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Height: | 6 feet 4 inches / 193cm |
| Weight: | 102 kgs |
| Net Worth: | $5 million (estimated) |
| Instagram: | @iam_lm01 – 315k followers |
Who is Latrell Mitchell?
Latrell Mitchell is a professional National Rugby League (NRL) player who represents the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Indigenous All-Stars, NSW Blues, and the Australian Kangaroos. Born Latrell Goolagong in Taree, NSW, Mitchell is a descendant of the Birrbay and Wiradjuri people of NSW. Currently, Mitchell plays as a fullback but has the flexibility to sit on the wing or at centre.
Mitchell was an integral part of the illustrious Sydney Roosters side that won back-to-back NRL Grand Final championships in 2018 and 2019. His performances in 2019 led to him winning the Dally M Centre of the Year for that season. In 2022, Mitchell was essential to the Kangaroos taking home the 2021 Rugby League World Cup after it was forcibly delayed by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon winning the World Cup, Mitchell would say he could “retire happy” now if he did opt to put league behind him.
However, rugby league is not everything to Mitchell. An Indigenous Australian of Birrbay and Wiradjuri descent, Mitchell divides his time between his career, his clothing label Winmarra and his ‘Blakfulla Adventures’ Instagram page which gives fans an insight into hunting, gathering, fishing, and various outdoor activities in the mid-north coast of NSW. Both Winmarra and Blakfulla Adventures reflect Mitchell’s connection to Country (the land) and efforts to represent his community with pride and respect.
Latrell Mitchell’s NRL Career
Early Years
Before Latrell Mitchell became the rugby league sensation he is today, the South Sydney Rabbitoh played junior league for his local team the Taree Red Rovers, as well as Group 3 Rugby League under 18’s for Taree City. Mitchell was earning plaudits and attention from a young age, leading to him representing the New South Wales under-16s and under-18s teams respectively.
Mitchell was quickly making a name for himself in the rugby league world and after a successful season playing for the Sydney Roosters’ S. G. Ball Cup team where he was dubbed the S. G. Ball Player of the Year, Mitchell would be selected for the Australian Schoolboys team for their 2014 tour of England and France. Mitchell was unstoppable throughout the tour, scoring 13 tries in 7 games and ending the month as the player of the series.
Sydney Roosters
After shining for the Roosters’ under-20 NRL side, Mitchell would prove himself to be ready for senior professional football after the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines tournament where he notched 4 tries in 3 games. In Round 1, 2016, Mitchell debuted against the side he would eventually join four years later, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He would go on to finish the season as the Roosters’ leading try and point scorer, earning 14 tries total in the process.
The 2018 NRL finals series would most notably see Mitchell make a name for himself as an exceptionally gifted player with a tendency to make rash errors after receiving a one-match suspension for a crusher tackle on Josh Dugan in the Roosters’ win over the Cronulla Sharks. He would miss the pivotal preliminary final match where his side prevailed over rivals South Sydney. Luckily for the Roosters, the ever-impressive Mitchell made up for it by scoring a try in the 14th minute and kicking four goals in the Sydney Roosters’ 21–6 win over the Melbourne Storm in the 2018 NRL Grand Final. His performances throughout 2018 would earn him recognition as the Male Sportsperson of the Year at the National Dreamtime Awards.
In 2019, Mitchell and the Roosters followed up their impressive 2018 by delivering the premiership to their fans and rare back-to-back Grand Final wins, with Mitchell ending the season with the most points overall at 273. It would prove to be Mitchell’s final contribution to the club he made his name at.
In a surprising turn of events, Mitchell announced an emotional departure from the Sydney Roosters in January 2020. the side he attributes with changing the lives of him and his family,
“I can not describe the way I feel right now but just wanted to let everyone know [who was] involved in my career through my stint here, I am so very grateful for you all,” he said via Instagram.
“Humbled to be able to play with such a rich history club. [I] didn’t think as a Country boy I’d be able to transition to the city but Roosters made that possible.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Upon leaving the Roosters, Mitchell would join the famous South Sydney Rabbitohs after reportedly knocking back the North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans, and a $1 million offer from the Wests Tigers to take up the fullback role and a new challenge with Souths.
Injury woes have restricted Mitchell in his first 3 seasons at the Rabbitohs, leaving him unable to play out a full season in the famous red and green. Critically, Mitchell’s struggles with injury have hampered his ability to perform at his best and deliver the consistent form that saw him thrive at the Roosters, which has led to plenty of criticism from the NRL world.
However, injuries aren’t solely to blame for Mitchell missing games for Souths, with his time at the club marred by incidents such as the 4-match suspension he earned after being charged over two incidents during the Rabbitohs’ win over the Wests Tigers in April 2021. Mitchell was found to have lashed out at Tigers player Luke Garner with his boot, and was further punished after a late hit to the head of David Nofoaluma. The NRL judiciary fined him $3000 and ruled him ineligible for a 2021 Dally M Medal due to this suspension.
Frustratingly for Souths fans, Mitchell would put his team in strife in a fiery Round 24 clash against his former side the Roosters when he was sin-binned for an illegal shoulder charge on Roosters player Joseph Manu, who had to receive medical attention for a fractured cheekbone as a result. The incident arrived at a critical point in the 2021 season just prior to the finals series, and left Mitchell banned for the entire finals series, which included his side’s Grand Final loss to Penrith.
After a rocky 2022 season where injuries scuppered his best form, Mitchell is on track to have his best season yet with the Rabbitohs in 2023, backing up his huge proclamation ahead of the World Cup last year where he stated: “I definitely have a goal to be the best Indigenous player to ever play the game.”
New South Wales Blues
Stellar performances in the 2018 NRL season led to Mitchell being selected to debut for the NSW Blues by coach Brad Fittler in the 2018 edition of State of Origin. A try in the first match was backed up by Mitchell playing the entire series and aiding them to a first Origin shield over rivals Queensland since 2014.
Ahead of Game 1 of the 2019 State of Origin series, Mitchell announced that he would not sing the Australian National Anthem because it did not represent Indigenous Australians. Despite making a brave and assured call, the match did not pan out well for Mitchell, who was sin-binned for a professional foul on Matt Gillett in the 58th minute and dropped for the remainder of the series.
Despite the fact his 2021 season was impaired by sin-bins, Mitchell was again selected for NSW and played in all three games. With controversy and criticism arising from his sin-binning over-the-shoulder charge on Joseph Manu and the effect it would have on Souths ahead of the 2021 NRL finals series, Blues coach Fittler warned that Mitchell could “end up shortening his career” if he was unable to stay out of trouble on the field. Two months later, Mitchell took out the True Blue Award, which is awarded by NSW coaching staff “to a player who displays qualities upon which the team culture is built.”
Having been initially selected for the 2023 State of Origin series, Mitchell is yet to don the famous NSW blue in 2023 after injuries left him unable to contribute.
What type of player is Latrell Mitchell?
At the young age of 26, Latrell has already established himself as one of the finest and most recognisable players in the NRL. Furthermore, Mitchell has become a go-to selection for the NSW Blues and the Kangaroos, Australia’s senior national rugby league side.
On the field, Latrell has often shown himself to be a self-aware, passionate player with a propensity for riling up his opposition on (and off) the field. Mitchell possesses attributes rarely found altogether in one player, including his silky range passing, immense vision, natural dynamism, quality goal-kicking and his ability to harness the explosive running power of a forward in spite of the fact he is positioned to dictate the game from behind his defence at fullback.
Featuring on Fox League’s ‘Mic’d Up’ series, which sees a player attached with a microphone throughout an 80-minute NRL match, Mitchell displayed the signature humour, self-confidence, and self-effacing nature that has won over and riled up fans all over the country in a dominant win over the Tigers. In a moment that captured the unserious, yet determined, way in which he carries himself as a player, Mitchell referenced his goal kick miss against Melbourne Storm a few weeks prior and his hope to compensate for it.
“Respect me, Melbourne was a one-off,” he says to teammate and Souths captain Cameron Murray. “That was a one-off… I hope”.
Latrell Mitchell Career Stats
Latrell Mitchell’s performances and desire to leave a definitive legacy in the NRL has led to him having a drive to succeed like no other player. This ambition has manifested into a stack of goals and tries which often leaves him in the top tier of point scorers at the conclusion of the NRL season.
| Team | Tries | Goals | Points |
| Sydney Roosters | 65 | 209 | 679 |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs | 33 | 114 | 364 |
| NSW Blues | 6 | 4 | 32 |
| Kangaroos | 5 | 6 | 32 |
Latrell Mitchell Partner
Latrell Mitchell has been in a long-term relationship with his partner Brille Mercy for many years now. The couple, who share two daughters named Kody and Marley, typically keep their family life private and away from the public eye.
They’re known for their strong bond and mutual support for one another’s careers, and due to how largely unknown the details of their relationship are, Mitchell has had to remind certain parties that he is a happily married man, as radio personality Jackie O found out a few years ago.
Mitchell and Mercy are in a deeply committed relationship and have stayed strong through the media scrutiny the rugby league superstar has copped through the years.
Latrell Mitchell Salary
As one of NRL’s most notable figures, Latrell Mitchell is a player who unsurprisingly commands a hefty salary. The Rabbitohs fullback currently has an estimated net worth of $2 million, with his South Sydney salary said to be $850,000 a year at present, after initially earning $600,000 when he signed in 2020.
Add to this his revenue from his clothing line, Winmarra, alongside his various endorsements and sponsorships and Mitchell would be bringing in good money to balance out all of the heavy tackles he cops on the field.
What is Latrell Mitchell like off the field?
Latrell Mitchell is without a doubt one of the most popular players in the NRL, with his trademark humour, assurance, self-awareness, and ambassadorial work representing the Indigenous Australian community winning over plenty of fans. Despite this, Mitchell has facilitated plenty of heated debate over his at-times reckless nature on the field and outspoken nature off of it.
But let’s take it way back first. Growing up in Taree in the mid-north coast of NSW meant Mitchell grew up a ‘country boy through and through’ who was close with his family. An easygoing individual with hard work instilled into him by his family,
Mitchell’s connection to Country and his roots is undoubtedly deep. Often Mitchell has utilised returning to farm life as a retreat away from rugby league life. In a 2019 interview with the NRL, Mitchell gave an explanation as to why returning to Country was significant to him and how it helps his personal escape from the high-pressure world of professional rugby league.
“I just know I’m safe here… I can’t explain it, I just feel it, like goosebumps. Like I know when I’m getting goosebumps, I know I’m in a good spot. It just calls me all the time; it’s weird. I can’t explain how it is. It’s just I’ve got to get away from the city, from people.”
Often Mitchell is the subject of intense media scrutiny for his personality on and outside of the field. Add to that pressure from the wider rugby league fan base to meet his lofty potential, and Mitchell has plenty of reason to want to take a break from the high-stress environment of professional sport where millions of dollars are on the line.
Mitchell has been praised as one of the modern game’s greatest ambassadors for the Indigenous people of Australia. Although his status as a role model for youth, particularly those from Indigenous communities, is a factor in his life he says he had to embrace it quickly.
“It started when I first came in,” Mitchell said when speaking to Fox Sports recently about the responsibility he felt as an Indigenous man representing his community on a big stage.
“I had no choice as responsibility as an Aboriginal man and taking that next step up not only just for rugby league but also your everyday society. Being in the spotlight and having a platform is something you’re chucked straight into — you have no obligation to say no.
“I’m always for who I am and my culture, moving forward and mending a relationship where there is obviously a divide. But it’s getting better, there’s communication, there’s conversations being had.
“For me, I guess coming into my prime I’m starting to focus on how I express myself and how I present myself, who I am and staying true to me.
“The off-field stuff helps with the on-field and you can obviously see what’s been going on the last few weeks with my footy — it’s because I’m happy and things are going good just being who I am as a person, as a man and as a father.”
Latrell Mitchell: Outdoor Adventurer
‘Blakfulla Adventures’, the Instagram page Latrell Mitchell runs with his family, is dedicated to showing “how we do it on the mid-north coast”. Those curious about the page can expect an assortment of video content dedicated to life in rural mid-north coast of NSW, where hunting, fishing and gathering go hand-in-hand. No doubt these experiences were formidable for Mitchell, and by creating Blakfulla Adventures he has stayed true to life as an Indigenous man growing up in Taree by giving fans a taste of living outside of the big city.
Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton Arrested
Latrell Mitchell was arrested in February 2023 for wrestling Canberra Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton outside a nightclub at 03:45 am, while out celebrating Wighton’s 30th birthday. Mitchell was apologetic towards his fans and the Rabbitohs for the inevitable distraction his arrest would cause, but Mitchell said he wouldn’t change for anybody.
“The club has been very supportive and I can’t thank South Sydney enough. I just want to say sorry to them because obviously, it is not what we want ahead of the NRL season,” he said.
“It’s obviously not what we want at the start of an NRL season and it’s not what anyone wants. I want this game to be as clean as possible and to play the game with the passion that I bring and I want to keep that off the field too.
“I won’t change for anybody. Anybody that knows me knows who Latrell Mitchell is and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”
Mitchell was charged with fighting in a public place, affray and resisting territory public officials.
Latrell Mitchell’s Clothing Label
‘Winmarra’, Latrell Mitchell’s clothing brand, represents the South Sydney Rabbitohs star connecting with his ancestors and reflecting culture through fashion. Inspired by his ancestors, Mitchell has utilised the label to “provoke thought and pass on knowledge of his family’s land and culture”. By building off of the strengths and resilience passed down through his ancestors and elders, Mitchell is expanding on the impact they had in developing traditions that are kept alive today.
The clothing is made to withstand rugged and temperamental conditions, meaning it is multi-purpose and can adapt to Australia’s myriad of weather extremes. It mixes country Australian aesthetics with youthful finesse and flavour. Classic and contemporary. Old meets new.
Latrell Mitchell Documentary
The South Sydney Rabbitohs released a two-part documentary titled, Pushing Boundaries in July 2022, following Latrell Mitchell’s rehabilitation journey that took the footy player from Sydney all the way to Philadelphia, USA.
Mitchell was commended for his openness throughout the documentary, letting his guard down for the camera as he recovered from injury.
Latrell Mitchell Sledge
At the start of the 2023 NRL season, Mitchell said, there were “a few cracks in the windscreen” at Penrith following the Panthers’ Round 1 loss to the Broncos and a post-match blow-up between teammates Jarome Luai and Jaeman Salmon.
Unwind
At the beginning of the year, Latrell visited Brewarizu, home to cowboys and Aboriginal fish traps. Seeing his visit there as a means of revitalization and recharge, he also made a stop at Kia Ora Lake towards the end of his stay at the former. While encouraging us to never shy away from challenges, the versatile player bagged the Arthur Beetson trophy.
He then released a mesh with inscriptions “Tremillit Country,” an abbreviation of his full name. He celebrated 150 NRL games while appreciating his fans for their relentless support. He also collaborated with “BEERBAY,” a company that is thoroughly committed to country life, and “FAT BOY BIKES,”. Latrell also spent some cowboy time with his dad, Matt, and Luck Comb, a musician.
Finding Peace
Latrell’s ventures extended beyond the wrestling ring as he forged a collaboration with Can-Am, a renowned truck company. The company generously gifted him a truck along with essential tools for his cherished ranch named Mitchell’s Ranch.
Sharing his philosophy on life, Latrell advocates for finding inner peace through various activities, including fishing, tending to his ranch, participating in cowboy events, and indulging in the leisurely sport of golf.
Family
The joy in Latrell’s life multiplied in December 2023 with the arrival of his son, whom he affectionately refers to as the prince of his empire. Embracing family ties, Latrell also welcomed his brother, Shaquan, into the world of hockey and his signing with the prestigious Sydney Rabbitohs.
Amidst his busy schedule, Latrell embarked on a series of adventures, exploring the vibrant cities of Las Vegas, Northland, and sunny San Diego, California.
The principles guiding his life include integrity. He believes that integrity and leaving a positive impact on the lives of others are the ingredients that make a man. He has zero tolerance for negativity.