Hahaha
https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/rug...tch-to-rugby-union/ar-BBXxgqp?ocid=spartanntp
Latrell Mitchell is considering a shock switch to rugby after his advisors sounded out Rugby Australia about the prospect of joining the 15-man game.
With his NRL options rapidly dwindling, the
Herald can reveal an approach was made on behalf of Mitchell to RA to gauge whether there is interest in the NSW and Australian centre. The enquiry could be the first step towards a change of codes if rugby officials believe he is a genuine Wallabies prospect.
The Roosters and Tigers have pulled lucrative offers from the table that would have secured Mitchell’s long-term future.
The premiers want to get the 22-year-old off their books as soon as possible, despite the fact he is contracted for 2020. The Tigers also became frustrated after they felt their offer was being used as a fallback option.
In an online column he penned for SBS in May, dual international Timana Tahu said Mitchell should be a priority for Rugby Australia.
“For the next high-profile player that they wanna look at, throw big money at, I’d be looking at Latrell,” Tahu wrote.
“It'd be a massive loss for rugby league, but for rugby union, he'd bring a new audience, new sponsorship and help change the Wallabies.
“It's perfect timing because there are two or three years for him to get his game knowledge up … the next World Cup is in 2023
“In terms of his union success, I just see his kicking skills, as well as his passing skills, being valuable. He's tall, he’s fast, he’s big — he’s made for rugby union.
“In my opinion, if you were at Rugby Australia you should be doing everything you could to get him across …
“He could be a dominating centre in an Australian Super Rugby team, plus he would be an attribute for the Wallabies.
“I think his profile would bring a lot to the Wallabies too, on and off the field.”
The Tigers have stated they would consider returning to the negotiating table if Mitchell expressed a desire to join the club.
However, any offers from other teams would be contingent on contracted players being moved on. The Cowboys have already invested $6 million into Valentine Holmes to play fullback for the next six seasons, while the Titans would have to shed several big-money stars in order to come close to Mitchell’s asking price.
If Jai Arrow moves immediately to South Sydney, and the Rabbitohs are given salary cap dispensation for Sam Burgess’ retirement, an opening could occur at the Gold Coast.
Alternatively, South Sydney may opt to shift their focus from a forward acquisition to Mitchell to bolster their backline.
The Tigers have drawn up their own contingency plans after the Mitchell camp conceded an answer may not be provided before Christmas. The Tigers have attempted to distance themselves from Josh Addo-Carr after initially expressing an interest if he became available.
Addo-Carr met with the Storm in Sydney on Friday morning to discuss his future amid growing speculation he was keen to return to Sydney. Melbourne officials said they expected him to honour his two-year contract, while the NSW and Australian winger spoke to the club about his family situation.
The Sharks are prepared to pay some of Matt Moylan’s freight if he is prepared to shift to Wests Tigers, while other players of interest to the club include Anthony Milford, Scott Drinkwater, Zac Lomax and William Kennedy.
After previously paying "overs" for players past their prime, the Tigers are prepared to wait until a suitable marquee recruit becomes available.
