NRL great Josh Morris has labelled it ‘ridiculous’ that Latrell Mitchell hasn’t spoken to the media in 18 months and called on the league to uphold its rules. Mitchell has been on a ‘self-imposed’ media ban since 2024, refusing to speak to reporters or at post-match press conferences.
The South Sydney superstar landed himself in hot water with the NRL after an expletive-filled interview to Triple M radio after a game in early 2024. Since then he’s shied away from all official media commitments, even though it goes against NRL rules.
Josh Morris (R) has slammed Latrell Mitchell’s (L) refusal to speak to the media. Image: Getty/2GB
The NRL states that all players must be made available to the media by their clubs once every three weeks. However the rules are rarely policed, and players go months without being put in front of the media.
Souths are happy for Mitchell to avoid the media because they believe it allows him to focus on his footy and play his best. And the NRL has seemingly been unwilling to crack down.
Josh Morris slams Latrell Mitchell media ban
Speaking on 2GB radio this week, former NRL star Morris blasted the situation and said it’s “taking the mickey”. Co-host Adam Hawse said it would have been great for fans to hear from Mitchell after he destroyed the Dragons with four tries last weekend.
“He’s been in great form with 10 tries this season, but did you hear what he said after the game? No, no-one did,” Hawse said. “I don’t understand how the NRL allows this to happen.”
Latrell Mitchell has been in sensational form, but fans haven’t been able to hear from him.
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Morris responded: “I don’t either. It’s absolutely ridiculous. In an age where we have social media and more access than ever to the players, record viewership and all that.
“It’s part of your contract that you have to speak to the media. I don’t know how he gets away with it. It’s almost like saying ‘I’m bigger than the game’. I don’t understand it. Even a press conference or interview once a month. But 18 months, that’s taking the mickey.”
Hawse pointed out that other players could follow suit if the rules aren’t upheld. “What if other players see how well Latrell is playing and decide ‘I don’t want to talk the media either’,” he said.
Speaking earlier this year, Timana Tahu defended Mitchell and said his media ban was down to the fact “he can’t say anything without being criticised”. Tahu told Wide World of Sports: “He’s probably muzzled himself from it. I think in one way he’s been wise in his decision, but in the other way, it’s sad that he can’t use his platform to speak up for himself if he has to.”