From Channel 9’s WWOS yesterday, where they had a chat to Souths fullback Latrell Mitchell about the ‘aggressive’ side of his game, which cost himself a Grand Final appearance last season, in a game that was ultimately decided by 2 points:

“Superstar Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell says he doesn’t need to change the way he plays the game despite finishing his 2021 season on the sideline after a controversial tackle on Joey Manu.”

“Mitchell became the biggest talking point in the NRL late last year when he was banned for six games due to a high shot on Manu, his former Roosters teammate.”

“The dangerous tackle left Manu with a shattered cheek and eye socket, while Mitchell missed out on South Sydney’s run to the NRL grand final, which his team lost to Penrith with Mitchell watching on helpless.”

“Speaking to Nine’s Danny Weidler today, Mitchell denied he needs to change the way he plays rugby league.”

“I don’t think I need to (change the way I play), I think the game needs to change,” Mitchell told Nine News.

“Asked if the aggression has gone out of the NRL, a smiling Mitchell said, “I don’t know, we may as well play Oztag.”

“At the end of the day, it’s a game and we have to protect our players.”

“There’s a split second you can’t control and that’s how it is. That’s rugby league.”

You cannot convince me otherwise that quote from Latrell is basically this Season 5 line from Principal Seymour Skinner: