Mundine Supports Mitchell Amid NRL Investigation

Daily Mail Australia reports that a recent photo of NRL star Latrell Mitchell, taken during his coaching clinics in Dubbo, NSW, has sparked renewed interest in his ongoing feud with former champion boxer Anthony Mundine. The image, which features a white substance, is not being linked to illicit drugs. The two athletes have been at odds since the controversial Mam-Leniu incident, where Mundine controversially claimed that a monkey slur used by a Roosters player was not racist, igniting a heated debate. Mitchell, who has been sidelined with a foot injury, responded strongly to Mundine's comments, defending the young Broncos player involved in the incident. He expressed frustration over the narrative surrounding Indigenous athletes, stating, "This is what our people get told to do and continue to get told." His remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous players in the sport, as he called for a more respectful dialogue regarding race and identity in rugby league. Despite their differences, the two have since reached a temporary truce, with Mitchell suggesting that the "great [racial] debate will have to rest for now." The 27-year-old has also opened up about the mental toll that public criticism has taken on him, revealing that he considered retiring to escape the scrutiny. He emphasized the need for space to focus on his game without the burden of controversy. Mitchell's candid reflections underscore the pressures faced by professional athletes, particularly those from Indigenous backgrounds, as they navigate both their careers and public perceptions.