Former NRL coach Shane Flanagan believes that if he were in charge, he would offer Latrell Mitchell only $800,000 for his next contract. Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield argues that discussions about Mitchell's pay should take into account his tendency to ignore NRL media obligations.
Currently, Mitchell earns $1.1 million annually with South Sydney under a deal expiring at the end of 2027. He will become a free agent on November 1 unless a new agreement is reached beforehand.
There has been ongoing debate regarding the appropriate salary for Mitchell as he has played just nine games this year, and over seven seasons at Souths, he has appeared in only one fewer game (95) than in four seasons at the Roosters (96).
Recently, journalist David Riccio suggested Mitchell should consider following Tom Trbojevic's lead and accepting a pay cut. Despite salary cap increases, a player of Mitchell's level could potentially earn $1.4 million per season.
On Triple M this week, Flanagan stated, "He's getting older. We all know how many games he'd been averaging." He continued, "I still think he's worth about $800,000," mentioning other players like Paul Gallen who accepted pay cuts later in their careers.
Rothfield added that if Mitchell is unwilling to meet his media obligations, he should face a pay reduction. This month, it was reported that both Mitchell and Reece Walsh have been identified as the worst at adhering to NRL media rules.
While players are required to engage with the media every three weeks, enforcement has been lax, though the NRL is tightening this policy. Rothfield noted that Mitchell recently emerged from an 18-month media silence.
He remarked, "What disappoints me with paying Latrell so much money...you have a responsibility to promote the game as a really elite star." Rothfield feels that Mitchell's lack of media engagement should factor into Souths' decision on his salary, stating, "If he doesn't want to do the work...I'd shave a little bit off."