South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback, Latrell Mitchell, will captain the Indigenous All Stars for the first time in Friday night’s clash with the Maori All Stars, a significant honour for him so far in his Rugby League career. Mitchell takes over as captain from team mate Cody Walker who was captain of the side before being ruled out with injury.
Embracing his heritage, Mitchell, a proud Biripi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Gumbaynggirr man, and the NRL’s current Man of the Year as the Ken Stephen Medallist from 2023, expressed the significance of the role.
“To lead my people is an honour that I don’t take lightly both on and off the field,” Mitchell told NRL.com in All Stars camp this week.
“This week we celebrate our culture and get to go and express that in front of the whole nation.
“This is more than a game to us.
‘I feel content. I feel like a lot of things are going right and it has been really good to come into this camp and express who I am and fill the cup up for the rest of the year.”
Mitchell's appointment is a testament to his leadership on and off the field, acknowledged by coach Ronnie Griffiths.
‘Latrell is a pillar in our community, his work away from the limelight is unheralded,” Griffiths told NRL.com.
“A magical player who will go to the nth degree to make sure the All Stars camp is a success and leave a lasting impact in community.”
With a record of three wins, one loss, and one draw in his previous All Stars appearances, Mitchell's captaincy promises to be a force for the Indigenous All Stars in a match that transcends sport, embodying cultural pride and unity.
