Debate has erupted amongst NRL fans about whether Latrell Mitchell should have passed to teammate Alex Johnston instead of scoring his second try against the Dolphins on Sunday. Mitchell bagged a double and Johnston score one himself as Souths ran out 40-30 winners.
Johnston’s try put him just one short of the all-time record of 212 held by Ken Irvine, meaning he’ll likely tie or break the record against the Roosters next Friday night. But many felt he should have equalled the record on Sunday when Mitchell scored his second try.
Latrell Mitchell scored the try himself rather than passing to Alex Johnston. Image: Getty/Channel 9
The Rabbitohs scooped up a loose ball after an error from the Dolphins coming off their own line, and eventually spread it left to Mitchell. The Rabbitohs centre had no-one in front of him by the time he got the ball, and had an easy run to the try-line.
But some fans thought Mitchell missed an opportunity to gift Johnston his 212th try as it would have been an easy pass to his winger. It was the same situation last year when Tallis Duncan copped some criticism for going himself rather than passing to Johnston.
NRL fans debate whether Latrell Mitchell should have passed
On social media, fans were divided about whether Mitchell should have given up the try or played it safe and gone himself. Many pointed out that the victory wasn’t assured at the time, arguing that Mitchell did the right thing by making sure he scored instead of his pass to Johnston potentially going awry.
One person wrote online: “Latrell why didn’t you pass to AJ? He was right there bro the record could have been equalled.” Another wrote: “Why didn’t Latrell pass to Johnston?!?!”
Latrell Mitchell had Alex Johnston unmarked outside him, but went himself to be safe. Image: Channel 9
But another went the other way, saying: “The guy has to score two tries to break the record…it’s going to happen. He doesn’t need more gimmes to get there.” Others argued Johnston would want to earn the record anyway, rather than having it gift-wrapped for him.
There’s also debate about whether fans should be allowed to storm the field to celebrate when Johnston gets the record. South Sydney have warned fans not to invade the pitch, and coach Wayne Bennett agrees it wouldn’t be a good idea.
“It’s not our game,” he said about the fact next week is a Roosters home game. “I don’t accept that it will probably happen and I don’t accept that it should happen. It is respect for the game. That is the important thing here. We play for 80 minutes and you stay off the field regardless. I believe in that.”