Million-dollar question adding up for Latrell
LATRELL Mitchell is still being paid an estimated $60,000-a-month as he contemplates his footballing future in the countdown to Christmas.
But this whopping monthly salary has emerged as a hidden agenda that is potentially stalling rivals clubs from tabling an offer to take the disillusioned young star off the Sydney Roosters’ hands immediately.
This latest twist comes as speculation intensifies that North Queensland have again emerged as genuine contenders, with the Cowboys said to be a club Mitchell was showing a serious interest in for a lifestyle change.
The drawn-out saga could have several twists and turns to come as both the Cowboys and Gold Coast try to work out a possible way to free up enough salary cap space to make a serious play for Mitchell.
The longer it drags out, the more cash Mitchell’s future club could potentially save.
Given NRL contracts run between November and October, Mitchell would have been paid his first month’s salary from the Roosters and will have another due next month.
On an estimated annual contract of between $650,000 and $700,000 for next season, that would equate to almost $120,000 before he is even required back at pre-season training in January.
It is speculated that the Roosters may eventually chip in even more money to help get Mitchell out the door, so they don’t have to bother with sending him back to NSW Cup to play with the North Sydney Bears next year.