- NRL superstar Mitchell unhappy about repeated criticism
- Feels he is being targeted, so are his struggling Rabbitohs
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell is in the spotlight again after he reportedly confronted NRL 360 host and former footy star Braith Anasta at a Sydney restaurant over perceived personal attacks.
Mitchell, 26, was dining at Chin Chin in the inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills on Wednesday night when he spotted Anasta, who was eating with his family at the same venue.
It is understood Mitchell decided to voice his frustrations with the Fox Sports TV identity and player agent in person, believing Anasta is often too personal when conveying his opinions, especially about the Rabbitohs.
The conversation – said to be animated in nature – continued in private outside, but at no stage turned physical.
South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell (pictured with teammate Cody Walker) is once again in the spotlight after he reportedly confronted NRL 360 host Braith Anasta
At Mitchell’s request, the conversation with Anasta (pictured) continued in private – but didn’t turn physical
Anasta and Mitchell were at Chin Chin in Sydney’s Surry Hills with their respective families on Wednesday night when the confrontation occurred
It comes as the Rabbitohs previously complained to Fox Sports bosses about the program’s treatment of their star players, including Mitchell.
Speaking on NRL 360 recently, Anasta pointed out his reasoning as to why Mitchell shouldn’t be playing fullback.
‘You look at the great fullbacks in our game … they are there before the play is there,’ he said.
‘They pre-empt it, they are moving before the ball goes, they are on their bike.
‘Latrell … he gets caught out a lot in defence, he’s very rarely in the frame at the last second when there’s a try or when he’s got an opportunity to save a try.
Mitchell (pictured with partner Brielle) has been on the end of a few serves from Anasta
‘That’s where he needs to improve. That comes down to fitness…. and being one of those high energy fullbacks. He plays differently.’
Criticism of the Rabbitohs has been relentless in some quarters, with the club sitting in 17th spot on the NRL ladder.
They have also won just one game this season – against the Bulldogs in round four.
Mitchell also did himself – and his teammates – no favours when he was banned for three matches after driving his forearm into the face of Warriors gun Shaun Johnson.
And in late April, coach Jason Demetriou was sacked after a club board meeting was called to decide his fate.