Could Latrell Mitchell really entertain a move west to Perth?
According to one pundit, the superstar centre should consider taking any potential Bears offer “tomorrow”.
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It was reportedon Thursday that Perth are prepared to match Mitchell’s current deal with Souths of $1.1 million a season, not including any ratchet clauses tied to the future increase of the salary cap.
The Bears’ interest comes following South Sydney’s call to put off any extension talks with Mitchell until next year.
Despite Perth circling, Souths CEO Blake Solly confirmed the club were willing to be patient when it comes to sorting out Mitchell’s contract.
The 29-year-old is contracted until the end of next season, meaning he’ll hit the open market from November 1.
“Latrell has a real opportunity to continue his return from the back injury in the World Cup, with the Kangaroos,” Solly told CODE.
“We met Latrell and his management to confirm our position earlier in the week. Once his rep duties are complete and he finishes the pre-season, we’ll sit down again and discuss his future.
“For now, we are happy to allow Latrell the opportunity to play at the World Cup without any distractions and have a great pre-season before we talk again.”
Bears circle Rabbitohs superstar | 00:33
“With a statement like that, it wouldn’t surprise me if they give him permission to negotiate,” NRL360 host Braith Anasta said in response to Solly’s comments.
“They aren’t going to go to Latrell until after the World Cup now, well, you’re going to have to, because they’ve pretty much given him permission.”
While there’s seemingly a lot of water to go under the bridge before Mitchell makes a decision on his future, the Bears have nothing to lose expressing their keen interest in one of the game’s most devastating players.
Perth have yet to land a big fish ahead of their inaugural season in 2027 and are expected to languish near the bottom of the table.
CODE Sports journalist Dean Ritchie says that the Bears have the funds to potentially entice Mitchell before explaining why it would be a move that benefits both parties.
“If he (Mitchell) can get $1.2 million with the ability through a ratchet clause and salary cap increase and third parties in Perth that can take him up to $1.7 million a year, he should go tomorrow,” Ritchie said on NRL360.
“Latrell has always disliked the fishbowl of Sydney. He’s always disliked the media scrutiny and the attention.
“This is perfect. This gets Latrell out of the dogfight in Sydney and gets him over to Perth where he can earn some big bucks and reset.”
However, Mitchell’s former teammate Luke Keary finds it hard to see that happening.
“I think it’s a good move from Perth. They’re looking for a poster boy and there’s none bigger,” Keary said.
“But knowing Latrell and I know him well, he won’t want to leave Souths.
“He wants to be close to home (Taree), he gets back as much as possible, he’s a family man. He wants to be around home. It’d be a huge move.”
Mitchell headlines several superstars set to hit the open market in just over a month’s time.
Outside backs is a particularly rich area for NRL teams to potentially feast on. In addition to Mitchell, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock, Jack Howarth, Xavier Coates and Bradman Best are expected to reach November 1 unsigned by their current clubs.
It led Keary to float a few teams other than Perth who could make a play at Mitchell if he considers a shock Souths exit.
“I think it’s going to be a huge November 1 for centres off contract. Herbie Farnworth will hit November 1, Bradman Best, Jack Bostock,” Keary said.
“The Eels, the Knights are in the running if Best leaves, the Dragons could do with an outside back. The Broncos will be looking to bring in one of those centres. There may be a big move there.”