It’s rare you get to see the real Latrell Mitchell: what truly drives him and his passion for Indigenous rights. But there was a moment last week when he stopped even NSW Premier Chris Minns in his tracks.

On Wednesday, Mitchell and Cody Walker were doing what they love and what’s important to them by helping launch the “outside the box” mentorship initiative aimed at curbing violent youth crime in regional NSW. The NRL and NSW Police announced the Project Pathfinder program in Moree, which will offer at-risk teens one-on-one mentoring from NRL players, among other things.

Mitchell and Walker were the star attractions of an NRL group that flew to Moree with ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.

Mitchell and Walker lent their profiles to a campaign to address the growing problem of youth crime in regional NSW, but if you think it was just about a photo opportunity, you are mistaken.

Minns was well briefed on Mitchell and brought up the fact his father, Matthew, worked in Aboriginal education for a long time – something Latrell is passionate about. The pair were walking and being filmed by cameras.

Instead of simply nodding and acknowledging the premier’s words, Mitchell had the confidence and courage to point out that his dad was not well treated during his time in that role.

It was a moment of maturity that gave Minns an insight into Mitchell and his passion for First Nations people and Indigenous rights. He is trying to use his profile to ensure there are better days ahead.

Minns apologised for the treatment Mitchell’s father received, but that doesn’t change what the family experienced. In a small way, it explains the fire that drives Mitchell and why he opens himself up to criticism. Mitchell snr’s experiences still burn within Latrell and, in a small way, help to explain why he does what he does.

South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell in Moree on Wednesday.

QOSHE - The moment Latrell Mitchell stopped the NSW premier in his tracks - Danny Weidler
menu_open
Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close
Aa Aa Aa
- A +

The moment Latrell Mitchell stopped the NSW premier in his tracks

6 8
07.04.2024

It’s rare you get to see the real Latrell Mitchell: what truly drives him and his passion for Indigenous rights. But there was a moment last week when he stopped even NSW Premier Chris Minns in his tracks.

On Wednesday, Mitchell and Cody Walker were doing what they love and what’s important to them by helping launch the “outside the box” mentorship initiative aimed at curbing violent youth crime in regional NSW. The NRL and NSW Police announced the Project Pathfinder........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


Get it on Google Play