Two of the NSW Blues’ stars, Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu, have dedicated to a media blackout whereas in camp forward of subsequent week’s State of Origin sequence opener at Suncorp Stadium, regardless of their NRL contracts together with an obligation to speak to media.
Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed that Mitchell and Leniu will abide by self-imposed media bans whereas in camp to keep away from scary battle forward of sport one.
Mitchell has already been refraining from talking to media, refusing to entrance up for Souths to this point this season. This has drawn the eye of the NRL, however to this point, no additional motion has been taken.
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Spencer Leniu in motion for the Blues in 2024. Getty
Mitchell and Leniu each took half in staff pictures because the Blues kicked off their 10-day camp on the NSW Centre of Excellence on Monday, however the pair declined to talk to media.
Leniu, who has been named on NSW’s bench, was concerned in an on-field altercation with Queensland great Johnathan Thurston throughout and after the Roosters’ win over the Broncos final month.
The Roosters prop approached Thurston and voiced his disapproval of feedback beforehand made by the previous Queensland and Australian consultant regarding the Ezra Mam racism scandal in Las Vegas final yr.
Leniu acquired an eight-match ban from the NRL for calling Mam a “monkey” throughout their season-opener.
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It has been prompt that Thurston’s response to Mam’s subsequent automobile accident final October was behind the confrontation, as Thurston had criticised Leniu however not spoken out straight in opposition to Mam.
Mitchell additionally drew criticism following an expletive-laden post-match radio interview last season.
Talking on 9’s 100% Footy, 9 and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas stated South Sydney helps Mitchell’s choice to shun his media commitments.
“They’re comfortable for Latrell to go on not speaking to the media, to give attention to his footy and in the event that they get fined, then so be it,” he stated,
“They’ll take care of it as a result of Latrell is adamant proper now that he would not need distractions and that is the trail he needs to go down.”
However Bulldogs soccer boss Phil Gould was unsure how lengthy the jig could be allowed to go on.
“I do not suppose they’re allowed to do it, I do not suppose they’re allowed to have media bans,” he stated.
“They have obligations, it is [written] of their contracts.”
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Latrell Mitchell after sport two of the 2024 State of Origin sequence. Getty
The media bans will almost definitely end in fines from the NRL.
“Clearly they aren’t anxious by the tremendous however nobody from the NRL is coming down on it,” Gould stated.
Mitchell needs his footy to do the speaking, and it seems to be working, with the fullback getting again to his greatest for the Rabbitohs since his return from harm. Picked as left centre by the Blues, he looms as one of the vital influential gamers within the upcoming Origin sequence.
