Superstar Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell says he doesn’t need to change the way he plays the game despite finishing his 2021 season on the sideline after a controversial tackle on Joey Manu.
Mitchell became the biggest talking point in the NRL late last year when he was banned for six games due to a high shot on Manu, his former Roosters teammate.
READ MORE: Michael Masi axing ‘harsh’ says Red Bull F1 boss
READ MORE: Golf turns on ‘egotistical’, ‘greedy’ legend Phil Mickelson
READ MORE: Kyrgios a ‘clown’, ‘idiot’, says Australian Open doubles rival
The dangerous tackle left Manu with a shattered cheek and eye socket, while Mitchell missed out on South Sydney’s run to the NRL grand final, which his team lost to Penrith with Mitchell watching on helpless.
Speaking to Nine’s Danny Weidler today, Mitchell denied he needs to change the way he plays rugby league.
“I don’t think I need to [change the way I play], I think the game needs to change,” Mitchell told Nine News.
Asked if the aggression has gone out of the NRL, a smiling Mitchell said, “I don’t know, we may as well play Oztag”.
“At the end of the day, it’s a game and we have to protect our players.
“There’s a split second you can’t control and that’s how it is. That’s rugby league.”
Mitchell was asked what it means considered one of the NRL’s biggest drawcards as he eyes a return in Round 2 once his suspension is complete.
“Since I debuted at 18 I’ve always taken it upon myself to play the game as hard as I can and as fast I can every time I play, that’s what I do. Some people like seeing it, but some people don’t,” he said.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Backstories and controversies behind all the Clive Churchill Medal winners of the NRL era
