Souths star Latrell Mitchell has hinted at what it’d take for him to observe former Rabbitoh Jordan Mailata over to the NFL and swap sports activities, following experiences the NRL are able to take pre-season video games to Las Vegas.
The NRL is reportedly getting ready to start out the 2024 season with a double-header in Sin City, with league bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo to journey to the US to start the planning.
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Mitchell, already a recognized fan of different codes, was eager on the thought when requested how he felt concerning the NRL’s worldwide growth technique by news.com.au.
“I’d like to go to Vegas!” Mitchell mentioned.
“Look, that’s up to the NRL and Peter, the head honchos.
“We’re just here to entertain, and if we can grow our game to create more sustainability for us, put more food on the table, a bigger roof over our heads, I’m all for it.”
With an ongoing debate within the competitors over whether or not the league ought to concentrate on worldwide growth or home consolidation, Mitchell is aware of what he desires from the league.
“Allowing teams to experience the world and go and play … we play in England … I don’t want to go anywhere near the cold,” he mentioned.
“America, I know they’re mad on (Australian sport), I’ve seen a lot of YouTube videos of them spectating our game. I’ve gotta say it’s pretty funny.
“Do you go global? Definitely.”
Asked whether or not he’s in touch with former rugby league gamers that headed over to the NFL, resembling Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata, Mitchell mentioned he wasn’t, however that he beloved watching Australians carry out abroad.
“Nah, he (Mailata) is a big dog now, I’m just a little Aussie rugby league player,” he mentioned.
“Obviously the Super Bowl was so big for us, and you know how proud everyone is of any Australian that’s having a crack over there.
“It’s all love, big Jordie, I love watching him play. It’s been really enjoyable to see him be able to go from North Sydney Bears and South Sydney to such a global stage, and he is looking after his family and I bet that’s all he’s focused on.”
He added: “I’d be one year, in and out! See ya later!”
Pressed on whether or not his jokes had a component of fact to them, Mitchell downplayed any suggestion of the code swap, now a well-worn path by the likes of Valentine Holmes and Jarryd Hayne.
“Nah, I couldn’t do it, it’s too far away from home for me. If they had a farm for me with a few horses and cows, I’d be happy,” he mentioned.
Mitchell’s remarks got here forward of a marquee Magic Round conflict with the Melbourne Storm, with Mitchell starring in a complete 28-12 win for the boys from Redfern, taking them to second on the ladder.
Mobbed by younger followers in Brisbane forward of Magic Round, Mitchell mentioned the eye and love he receives significantly from younger Indigenous followers was humbling.
“It’s very special,” he mentioned.
“I’ve never seen anything like it to be honest. It’s very humbling.”
Mitchell is a fan of the AFL and Dustin Martin’s Richmond Tigers, and after the AFL’s Gather Round in Adelaide earlier this yr, mirrored on and in contrast the NRL’s unique idea, in its fourth iteration this weekend.
“I think (Gather Round) was a success, obviously by watching it, I love Richmond, so hopefully they can get a few wins on the board, but it’s a great initiative for (both codes) and just generating interest,” he mentioned.
“I think playing at one ground, everyone can just see it there and pack a stadium out – that’s what players want.
“I think it’s enjoyable to watch – Magic Round’s awesome. There’s a buzz around the city.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au