Trent Robinson wants Roosters fans to STOP booing ‘very special’ Latrell Mitchell

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has urged fans not to boo Latrell Mitchell when the Tricolours host South Sydney in a blockbuster elimination final on Sunday afternoon. 

The star fullback was loudly jeered and booed by Roosters fans as the Rabbitohs lost 26-16 to the Roosters in the inaugural game at Allianz Stadium.

The two arch-rivals will meet at the same venue on Sunday and Robinson is hopeful Mitchell will receive a different reception.

‘It was our first home game [last Friday] and that’s where it should rest,’ he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘It shouldn’t happen tomorrow.’

Mitchell won back-to-back Grand Finals with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, before making the switch from Bondi Junction to Redfern in acrimonious circumstances. 

An already fractious relationship was soured further last year, when Mitchell left Roosters star Joey Manu with a fractured cheekbone following a shoulder charge. 

The star fullback was loudly booed by Roosters fans when Souths travelled to Allianz Stadium

The Roosters will again host their arch-rivals on Sunday in the elimination final  

But Robinson, who coached Mitchell for both Grand Final triumphs, insisted the New South Wales star remains ‘very special’ to him. 

‘He’s left a huge imprint on this team, and we really care about him. My kids still ask about Latrell and if he is playing. He’s a real favourite.

‘That [booing] should stay last week, and we should move on to this week’s contest. He’s very special to me and this club and the time we had here. I love seeing his smile and him happy.’

Mitchell admitted the reception he copped at Allianz Stadium last week was ‘disappointing’ and noted former AFL star Adam Goodes walked away from the footy due to being persistently targeted by the fans.

Mitchell won back-to-back Grand Finals with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019, before leaving the club in acrimonious circumstances to join the Rabbitohs 

Last year, Mitchell left Roosters star Joey Manu with a fractured cheekbone following a shoulder charge which earned him a ban for the finals 

‘It was expected,’ he said.

‘Once or twice [is fine], or when I’m kicking goals, definitely. But every run? It was disappointing. […] It’s s**t, to be honest. Adam Goodes gave up his career because of it. It’s not nice. We cop it every day as it is.

Souths coach Jason Demetriou echoed the stance. 

‘We’re not talking about the odd heckle – we’re talking about a consistent amount of disrespect in my eyes,’ he said.

Earlier this week, Mitchell also found vocal support from ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, who urged Roosters fans to stop booing the Bunnies star.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has urged Roosters fans to respect Mitchell

The ARL supremo praised Mitchell as an ‘inspiring’ figure for the Indigenous community and shared his hopes Roosters fans would recognise his stature. 

‘Being a role model for those kids gives them hope in life. People should understand that when people boo Latrell Mitchell, those kids are watching,’ he said.

‘What incentive is there for them to emulate their hero? It’s more than just him being a brilliant, superstar player, he’s just a brilliant, inspiring role model.

‘I’m sure those kids who are watching would prefer he be treated with the respect he deserves.’