MITCHELL KEEN TO END UP A ROOS LEGEND
LATRELL Mitchell has studied the honour board in the team room at the Australian hotel. He likes what he sees.
“You see all those fellas on the board – you have Darren Lockyer at 50 (Tests),” Mitchell said.
“You want to be there on that board. Hopefully the NRL and international footy can live on and be strong again, and I can get a few more under my belt.
“I know a lot of fellas want to.
It is awesome to be here and wear this jersey.
“We have everything on the wall – all the responsibilities and care factor, everything is on that wall.
“All those legends as well. I definitely want to be one of those legends and I want to be up there and have my name so the next generation can see what I have achieved.
“I know everyone else wants to be doing the same.
“That is why it is so good to be in this team because everyone wants to be the best.”
Mitchell has played five Tests, one less than James Tedesco. By now, both should be easily in double figures.
Covid-19 cost them three years of international football and it is time they can never get back. The only thing they can do is make the most of the present.
That means enjoying every moment in a green and gold jersey.
Not just on game day, but when they get time off. That’s exactly what the Kangaroos have been doing.
The players went to Scotland earlier this week and immersed themselves in the culture. They played golf and toured castles.
No doubt, they enjoyed the odd pint. Even those who hesitated over touring are glad they came. They appear to be a happy camp.
Much of the credit for that goes to coach Mal Meninga, whose standing in the game means he commands immense respect from the playing group and the wider public.
Meninga is among the names on the wall that Mitchell is attempting to emulate, having played 46 Tests and toured with the Kangaroos on four occasions.
He is a living legend in the north of England, where he won over some of the game’s most demanding supporters during a stint at St Helens, scoring 38 tries in 31 games.
“He walks down the street and everyone wants to get a photo with him,” Mitchell said.
“When he walks in you listen, you know he’s there.”
Meninga has warned Mitchell to be prepared to play fullback this weekend against Italy. At some point, Tedesco will be given a rest and Mitchell will slot into his preferred position.