LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
South Sydney Rabbitohs player Damien Cook has issued a warning to NRL fans, stating that Latrell Mitchell may decide to retire if he continues to face abuse and unfair treatment.
Mitchell has been at the center of drama at South Sydney over the past two weeks, with Rodney Churchill, son of club legend Clive Churchill, publicly criticizing him.
Churchill referred to Mitchell as a "cancer on the club" and an "embarrassment to the No.1 jersey." However, Churchill has since apologized for his comments and offered to step down from his role of presenting the Clive Churchill medal at the NRL grand final.
These remarks followed a wave of criticism towards Mitchell for his underwhelming performances on the field since returning from a calf injury.
Cook, Mitchell's teammate, spoke out in defense of him and expressed concerns that the ongoing abuse may lead him to retire prematurely.
Cook drew parallels to AFL player Adam Goodes, who retired after facing repeated jeering from supporters.
Cook acknowledged that as a superstar player, Mitchell is constantly under scrutiny, and there is a risk of pushing him into an early retirement due to the mounting pressure.
He emphasized the need to protect Mitchell, as he is currently one of the most talked-about players in the game.