State of Origin scapegoat Latrell Mitchell breaks his silence on being unceremoniously axed from the Blues squad after leading the state to victory last year
- Latrell Mitchell spoken for the first time since being dumped from the NSW side
- Says no bitterness about missing Sunday's clash and will spend time with family
- Sydney Roosters star also revealed goal to remain a one club man in the NRL
NRL star Latrell Mitchell has broken his silence over his omission from the NSW Blues side for the second Origin game.
In his first interview since being dropped from the squad on Sunday night, the young Sydney Roosters centre said he saw his axing as a blessing in disguise.
The 22-year-old said he held no bitterness and would be using the rare mid-season weekend away from footy to spend time with his little girl.
Instead of being separated from his young family on the other side of the country, he will be with them celebrating his daughter Inala's second birthday.
Instead of playing Origin axed star Latrell Mitchell will throw a second birthday party for his daughter Inala (pictured) this weekend
The Sydney Roosters centre had a Origin game he'd rather forget in Brisbane a fortnight ago
'I'm turning my phone off for the weekend and chilling with my family and my baby,' Mitchell told The Daily Telegraph.
Blues coach Brad Fittler made seven changes to the Blues side for this Sunday's must-win Origin clash against Queensland in Perth.
Mitchell learned about his axing while he was still on the SCG on Sunday celebrating the Roosters' big win against the Bulldogs on his 22nd birthday.
Mitchell had a game he'd rather forget in the Origin series opener in Brisbane a fortnight ago with a number of errors and poor decisions.
He also came under scrutiny for being among a host of indigenous stars who refused to sing the national anthem prior to kick off.
He also was rumoured to be dealing with off-field personal issues.
Latrell Mitchell, pictured with his partner Brielle sees his axing as a blessing in disguise
His mother revealed earlier this week her son was coping with the deaths of two aunties, a great uncle, and a cousin in the last two months.
'Latrell has been dealing with this the best that he can,' Patricia Goolagong told Nine News on Monday.
'But this will affect any young person as you could imagine.'
This time last year, Mitchell was one of Blues' bright young stars and played a big role in their first series win against the Maroons since 2014, which was wrapped up by game two in Sydney.
Latrell Mitchell made his Origin debut last year and has been dropped after four games
Mitchell also broke his silence over growing speculation of a 10-year, $11 million offer to join Canterbury next season after being previously linked to South Sydney.
Contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2020, Sydney's eastern suburbs is his home as far as Mitchell is concerned.
With many years of NRL still ahead of him, he hopes to remain a one-club man.
'I haven't even thought about going anywhere,' Mitchell said.
'They've been a few things in the media but my job is to focus on the Roosters and enjoy football. Nothing else.'
Latrell Mitchell found out about his axing while playing for the Roosters against the Bulldogs at the SCG on Sunday. He's pictured after the game
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