Injured South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell may not feature in the Bunnies final, but he doesn’t mind.
Mitchell’s replacement at full-back Corey Allan showed how text messages from the double Premier League winner helped him and his teammates deal with the pressures of final football.
Though Mitchell hasn’t been in the Rabbitoh’s bubble for a while, Allan explained how the superstar was with the team at every turn in his heroic finale.
“Latrell sent me a message the other day and he usually sends me tips after every game,” said Allan, who has starred in the fullback since Mitchell’s thigh injury at the end of the season in Round 16.
“He always helps us to do our best considering he has won two premierships. So he knows what it’s like to be in the final and he knows how to win.”
“He’s such a good guy and everyone loves him. Hearing from Latrell all the time really helps me and gives me confidence too.
“The last time he contacted me, he was fixing a fence on his farm (in Taree), but he hasn’t forgotten us.”
Mitchell is no stranger to the spotlight and the unfortunate criticism it can bring. He’s guided everyone to block out the inevitable outside noise that occurs towards the end of the season.
Mitchell’s 2020 NRL season is over
“Latrell helps me focus on myself,” said Allan.
“There is a lot of outside noise that comes with football in the final so it makes me think about my own game.
“He said keep doing what I did, but don’t prepare too much. Latrell is always there and he always listens when someone needs something.”
“I’m sure Latrell would love to be a part of it, but he’s not a selfish guy. Every message he sends me is about how well I’m playing and he’s always with the team.
“I think you have to know Latrell to really understand him. He’s an amazing guy and he always puts himself in front of the team. That’s the best thing about him.”
South Sydney will face Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
