Updated ,first published
Kangaroos centre Latrell Mitchell is relishing the chance to resume his battle with Dane Gagai at international level, but has brushed off questions about his future after South Sydney put contract extension talks on hold.
Rabbitohs star Mitchell and Newcastle three-quarter Gagai had a memorable duel during the opening round of the finals. The Knights ultimately prevailed, Gagai declaring afterwards: “I wasn’t going to let him push me around.”
The rivalry will continue when Australia host New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup opener next Thursday, which marks Gagai’s first appearance for the Kiwis after last representing Australia in 2018.
After Gagai earned a points victory in the play-off fixture, Mitchell is looking forward to the rematch.
“Let’s go! We love it,” Mitchell said after entering Kangaroos camp at Double Bay on Thursday.
“Dane’s a competitor, I’m a competitor, and that’s where we leave it, on the field. I love him, he’s a good man, and you walk off and know you’ve done everything you can to try and win a game. I love Gags. I wish him the best, but yeah, I’m definitely ready.”
Mitchell and Gagai were Rabbitohs teammates for two years, but have for the most part of their careers been rivals at club and state level.
“He just never stops talking, never goes away, you know?” Mitchell said. “He gives you shit … and I’m very competitive, so I just can’t let it die really.
“He’s winding back the clock, definitely. He’s shown that, and I think he’s got another two or three [seasons] in him, so let him go.”
Mitchell’s future will be one of the big talking points during the off-season. The Blues star is among several centres – along with Herbie Farnworth, Matt Burton, Billy Smith, Jack Wighton, Jack Howarth and Deine Mariner – to hit the open market if they don’t re-sign with their incumbent clubs before November 1.
Given he has played just 34 games in three seasons, critics question whether Mitchell remains a million-dollar-a-year player, at a time when the salary cap will soon increase. Mitchell would normally be a signing priority for the Rabbitohs, but they have indicated they will put contract talks on hold, potentially until March. Coach Wayne Bennett, however, is bullish about Mitchell staying.
“I think for me, just focusing on camp is most important,” Mitchell said. “I’ve got a different colour on to the Rabbitohs, so for me, it’s all about this camp and focusing on that.”
Pressed on his future, Mitchell said, “I’ll ring Wayne”, before ending Thursday’s press conference.
‘I wish I could be half the player Teddy is’: Walsh pays tribute to No.1 rival Tedesco
Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh concedes he will struggle to wrestle the Kangaroos No.1 jersey off James Tedesco, saying he would be content to be “half the player” the Roosters captain is.
One of the biggest selection calls for Australia coach Kevin Walters is his first-choice fullback. Walsh is the incumbent after being the No.1 on last year’s Ashes tour, while Tedesco made a strong case during a stellar season, which culminated in him winning the Clive Churchill Medal for the best player in Sunday’s grand final win over the Knights.
“It’s hard to compete with Clive,” Walsh quipped as the Australian squad assembled in Sydney on Thursday.
“I’m obviously grateful to be in camp. I was watching Teddy when I was a kid. To see what he’s done over the last few weeks, it’s going to be hard for myself to push for a position – but I’m confident in my ability.
“I can’t wait to be a sponge and learn off him. He’s one of the greats to do it in our game, and I’m lucky enough to be able to rub shoulders as a teammate with him.”
Walsh has long admired Tedesco’s ability to perform at the highest level for such a lengthy period.
“I wish I could be half the player Teddy is, man,” Walsh said.
“Sitting there in school watching him win premierships and all that, it’s pretty amazing for his longevity and how consistent he’s been for so many years. Like I said, it was like last year being on the Ashes tour with Dyl [Dylan Edwards] – to be there and be able to rub shoulders and see the way he prepared.
“Now, for myself to be able to see the way Teddy prepares for a game, as a 24-year-old, I’m pretty stoked with that. If there are some small things I can take away and put into my game, if I can be half the player that he’s been, I’ll be happy with that, brother.”
Walsh hasn’t played since suffering a high-grade syndesmosis injury in August that required surgery. However, the Maroons ace feels he’s ready to return.
“At the Broncos, we’ve got such good staff there who manage injuries really well,” he said.
“One of the physios there, Shred, has been thrashing me for the last six weeks. So it’s good to get back into the team environment and be around more players instead of just getting thrashed by myself …
“I’m going to do everything I can to push for this team, whether that’s starting or whether it’s not. I’m just going to try my best.”
Walsh was the star of the 2025 season, helping steer the Broncos to a drought-breaking premiership. However, he concedes he has not consistently reproduced that form this year.
“My form, it’s obviously disappointing after you win a comp and then see yourself back where you are,” he said.
“I feel like I tried hard this year. I feel like I wasn’t happy with where we finished as a team, but there are always lessons in having those years. I feel like those are the ones that drive you to get better, keep learning and want to do better the next year.”
Walsh refused to give up on his World Cup dream despite initially suffering what was thought to be a season-ending injury.
“I was obviously just taking it week by week and trying to do everything I could to put myself in a position to be fit,” he said. “I’ve done that, so I’m happy to be here. I can’t wait to get to work and prepare us for a good World Cup.”
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