Locked in until 2027, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is set to become one of the most prolific senior players in the Redfern side.
The NRL’s most successful side in history announced Mitchell’s re-signing on Wednesday alongside Damien Cook and Cody Walker.
While the trio will give the club a huge boost in 2023, it is Mitchell’s retention that gives coach Jason Demetriou the greatest belief when looking to the future.
Mitchell, 25, joined the Rabbitohs in 2020 after four seasons with the Roosters and has become a staple figure in Demetriou’s backline.
Now signed for another four years and off the back of a phenomenal World Cup win with the Kangaroos, the head coach believes the fullback is also set to become a great leader.
“He enjoys being a leader, he enjoys standing in the centre of the room and saying, ‘Come with me boys’,” Demetriou told SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“He’s learning how to articulate that and how to use his motivation to rub off on other players around him and that’s pretty special.”
Demetriou hopes the added responsibility of becoming a senior player will grow Mitchell’s game even further, aiding them in their 2023 campaign.
“We know what he’s capable of doing on the field but if he can bring people with him off the field, that’s probably where his game goes to another level again,” he added.
“It’s about getting some balance in Latrell … he’s missed some footy in patches and he’s come back last year and he was outstanding for us.
“I think he’s been great, our win rate when he plays is up in the mid 70s.
“So our mission now is to get him fit and get him feeling as good as he has done for the last few years come March and then making sure we get that balance right throughout the season so come September, (he) and every other player in our team is in good shape and we’re able to put our best team on the park.”
The Rabbitohs are the only team in the competition to have qualified for each of the last five preliminary finals, but will look to go even further in 2023 in their quest for their 22nd Premiership win.
Their upcoming campaign will kick off against Cronulla on March 4 at Shark Park.