NRL news: South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell prepares for new season with punishing regime on his farm

Despite his standing among the most recognised faces in Australian sport, 24-year-old Mitchell is currently sweating away in blissful anonymity on the NSW North Coast, working his 600 acres of cattle property near Taree.

It has now been four months since South Sydney’s superstar fullback made headlines for a nasty, and heavily dissected, high shot on Roosters rival Joey Manu — a tackle which saw him rubbed right out of the Bunnies grand final push.

In a further twist, chief executive Andrew Abdo also confirmed, when announcing the 2022 draw recently, that Mitchell’s hyped return will coincide with the Bunnies Round 3 clash with the Chooks.

Which you just know will be the only story anyone talks about for a week, and maybe more, prior.

But as for Mitchell seeming worried?

Um, no.

Instead, the NSW Origin star has been immersed within a farm life that includes running cattle, riding quad bikes, fencing, felling trees, shifting hay and generally enjoying time with his young family.

Then late in the afternoons, he whacks golf balls over — and into — one of the dams on his sprawling acreage.

Asked about the unique, and blissfully anonymous preparation, Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said Mitchell’s expanding property portfolio — which includes spending $1.8 million on a home for his parents, Matt and Trish — was testament to a young man making smart financial choices.

“Latrell talks about his land with a lot of affection and he should be tremendously proud of what he’s doing there,” Solly said.

“Buying a property for himself, then one for mum and dad … for anyone aged 24 you couldn’t help but be proud of them.

“Especially too when you know how important that connection to land is for Latrell.

“I think it says a lot about him.

“The money he’s earning from a great football career, he’s now putting that back into not only his family, but a lifestyle and career for himself after he finishes.”

Elsewhere, Solly also praised the work Mitchell has been doing with charities, indigenous causes and as a growing voice against racism.

“In many ways, it’s remarkable for a young man to be doing everything he is and, as a club, we’re really proud,” Solly said.

“And he still has enormous potential, both on and off the field too.

“Latrell Mitchell is still a young man.

“And he will continue to develop, progress and lead. He’s still got so much to give both on the field and off it.”

Solly also praised Mitchell’s growing profile as a voice for Australian indigenous issues.

“He and Cody Walker, with their status in the indigenous community, their willingness to stand up for what they believe in, it’s really important,” he said.

“And as a club, we fully supported them.

“Those two young men are considered, articulate and their positions on many important issues comes from a great place.

“When you look at their age, what they’re doing and saying, they really are wonderful human beings.”