- Anthony Mundine has extended an olive branch to Latrell Mitchell
- Former boxer is ‘here for him’ if the NRL superstar needs guidance
- Mitchell appeared in questionable photo, referred to NRL integrity unit
They didn’t see eye to eye when it came to the Ezra Mam and Spencer Leniu racism scandal from Las Vegas in March – but that hasn’t stopped Anthony Mundine offering his support to under fire star Latrell Mitchell.
A widely circulating photo featuring the Rabbitohs fullback has been referred to the NRL integrity unit.
In the image, the Indigenous ambassador appears to be standing over a table with a white substance on it.
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the white substance is an illicit drug.
It is understood the photo was taken last weekend, when Mitchell was in Dubbo in NSW‘s central west conducting a number of footy coaching clinics.
‘It’s unfortunate that there are these allegations,’ Mundine told News Corp.
‘If he needs any help, I’m here for him. I wish nothing but love for my brother.’
The high profile pair were at loggerheads following the Mam-Leniu incident, where the former champion boxer and league star declared the monkey slur from the Roosters enforcer ‘wasn’t racist.’
They didn’t see eye to eye when it came to the Ezra Mam and Spencer Leniu racism scandal – but that hasn’t stopped Anthony Mundine offering his support to under fire star Latrell Mitchell
A photo widely circulating on social media featuring the Rabbitohs fullback (pictured) has been referred to the NRL integrity unit
Mundine then told Mitchell he has ‘underperformed’ in his NRL career to date.
In a video posted on social media, Mundine claimed because Mam is of Torres Strait Islander descent and Leniu is Samoan, there was no instance of racism on the field in Sin City.
That sparked a swift response from Mitchell, who backed the Broncos young gun.
‘This what our people [Indigenous] get told to do and continue to get told. ‘Be quiet and fall in line’,’ Mitchell said in an Instagram post referencing Mundine’s video.
‘Anyone seen this story and knows any sense of culture that this shit isn’t the same thing.
‘Absolute bulls..t. I don’t agree with this and if you do, do better.’
Eventually the pair called a truce, with Mitchell declaring ‘the great [racial] debate will have to rest for now’.
Mitchell, 27, has spent the last few weeks sidelined with a foot injury he suffered against Parramatta on July 4.
Mitchell has been sidelined with a foot injury he suffered against Parramatta on July 4 – and he isn’t expected to play again this season
The club remains unsure of whether he will be able to return to the field this year – despite doctors deciding he didn’t require season-ending surgery.
It’s been a troubled season for Mitchell and South Sydney as the club has struggled for consistency – and the dynamic no.1 has personally battled injury and poor form.
In June, he opened up about how close he came to retiring and moving to his farm at Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW, as he revealed the constant criticism of his play on the field and life off it has taken its toll.
‘I just feel like a lot of people hate me and they don’t know me,’ he said.
‘A lot of people make me the villain all the time….these short bursts of anger, that’s not me. That’s what just builds up over time with people just constantly at me.’
Addressing criticism from pundits in the media, Mitchell issued a six-word message.
‘If media just shut up and let me play,’ he said. ‘Honestly, if you shut up and let me play, there’d be nothing controversial.’
Mitchell was suspended for a nasty shot on Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson as the side endured a horror start to the season that saw coach Jason Demetriou get sacked in April.
He missed the State of Origin opener but made headlines when he returned to the Blues for the second match at the MCG and played a starring role in a huge win over Queensland.
Injury ruled him out of playing in the decider, which was won by the Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
