Tigers pull out of Mitchell race
OPTIONS are running out for Latrell Mitchell who will meet with Gold Coast Titans next week in a bid to avoid being relegated to Sydney Roosters’ reserves after Wests Tigers withdrew their offer.
Gold Coast has emerged as the surprise contender after claiming yesterday NRL star Mitchell was interested in a Titans move “to continue his growth as a player and person”.
But time is not on his side to find a new home after the Tigers yesterday became tired of waiting for a response and sensationally withdrew their four-year, $3.8 million offer tabled almost two weeks ago.
If Mitchell cannot sign, he faces the prospect of playing in the Roosters’ reserves next year after falling out with coach Trent Robinson with one season left on his contract.
The Titans, however, sounded confident they could tempt Mitchell after organising for the NSW centre to tour their facilities next week where they are expected to use their trump cards — Mal Meninga and Justin Holbrook.
Titans head of culture and performance Meninga has bonded with Mitchell as Kangaroos coach while new Gold Coast mentor Holbrook came to know the centre in his time as Robinson’s assistant at the Roosters.
“The Titans are always interested in attracting quality players to the club and Latrell more than fits that description,” a Titans spokesman said.
“Latrell has expressed an interest in moving to the Gold Coast to play for the Titans, to continue his growth as a player and person under the mentorship of Mal and coaching of Justin.”
Gold Coast became Mitchell’s top priority after Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe told the player’s management they had “moved on”.
The Tigers had hoped for a decision before it emerged the Titans had entered the pursuit for the 22-year-old, further frustrating the joint venture.
The Tigers have reportedly set their sights on Melbourne’s Josh Addo-Carr.
“Our first responsibility is to our club and we can’t be inactive in a market like the NRL player market and afford to sit around and wait,” Pascoe said.
He did not rule out reopening talks with Mitchell but Tigers great Steve Roach said he believed they should wash their hands of the X-factor.
“If I was the Tigers that would be it. I would go searching for someone else,” Roach told Fox Sports.
“You can’t just sit around waiting for someone to make their decision.
“What do we do? Just wait for him to dance off to every other club and see if we are the last man standing?”
North Queensland appeared in the mix after coach Paul Green left the door open to sign Mitchell even after snaring Valentine Holmes on a six-year deal on Sunday.
But Cowboys football boss Peter Parr later all but dismissed their chances, saying it would be “difficult” to offload several players and present a competitive offer.