Star’s quip puts Pride coach in spotlight

THE Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys have been touted as leading the race for his signature but, if his word is anything to go by, Latrell Mitchell could end up at the Northern Pride.

After meeting with Cowboys officials in Townsville on Monday, Mitchell was asked by media about his family living in Queensland, to which he replied: “[In] Cairns, yeah, Northern Pride. Might play with them!”

It didn’t take long for Northern Pride coach Ty Williams’ phone to start ringing.

“It’s been interesting,” said Williams, a former Cowboy.

“We thought we’d have another Todd Carney incident, but she’s been full on.

“It’s generated some good interest for us anyway.

“He’s making a bit of a show of it, which is good to see.”

Williams said it was an exciting time for football in the region, as speculation surrounding Mitchell’s playing future intensified.

“He’s getting around in Far North Queensland at the moment and spent a bit of family time up here,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s been welldocumented that the Cowboys had dinner with him.

“It’s tough, but I think it’s going to be him or Val (Valentine Holmes) that the Cowboys pick up.”

He said the premiershipwinning centre was a “special talent” and would be a massive coup wherever he landed.

“He’s 22, won two comps, played for Australia, played for New South Wales – he’s done everything in the game,” Williams said.

“It’s generated some good talking points. Everyone’s got an opinion on it.”

Northern Pride 2020 recruit Bernard Lewis was Mitchell’s teammate at the Roosters before joining the Pride in the off-season.

“I’m sure the lads will touch base with him if he’s up here for a few days,” Williams said.