Mitchell issues NRL warning

RUGBY LEAGUE: Latrell Mitchell has fired an ominous warning for his NRL rivals, declaring he isn’t even close to fulfilling his potential.

The Kangaroos superstar said his smile has finally returned after a rollercoaster season which saw him go from producing one of the greatest individual performances to having his desire questioned leading to his Origin axing.

Mitchell was near unstoppable with a 26-point haul against the Tigers in May – an effort that prompted some to label him the game’s best.

The performance though brought with it an expectation Mitchell had to replicate it every week or be criticised.

“That’s how footy is,” Mitchell said. “You play that one game and people think you can play like that every game. It’s a mental thing. I’m only young.

“I haven’t hit my potential. Not by a long shot. It’s knowing what I need to do with myself and prepare the way I did for the Tigers game and doing that every week. That’s what I’ve got to find.”

Mitchell is the game’s hottest off-contract star but he is in no rush to sign as clubs prepare to throw him a milliondollar deal.

“I know people say it affects your footy but that’s why I’ve got a manager,” Mitchell said.

“I’ll just worry about footy. I will make a decision when it’s the right one for me and my family.”

What he has hinted at though is a potential positional swap following halfback Cooper Cronk’s retirement.

Luke Keary will steer the Roosters around and they have signed Cronulla youngster Kyle Flanagan but Mitchell said he had spoken with club coach Trent Robinson about a permanent moves into the halves. “It’s something I dream about,” Mitchell said.