Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has lashed out at suggestions the NRL club is unhappy with star centre Latrell Mitchell, labelling the rumours “a load of crap”.
Mitchell and Angus Crichton have been rested for Sunday’s NRL clash with Penrith after featuring for NSW in State of Origin I on Wednesday.
Mitchell was heavily criticised for a quiet showing in Brisbane, which included a critical second-half sin-binning for a professional foul.
It prompted Blues coach Brad Fittler to question Mitchell’s motivation levels, and even claim that the Roosters are unhappy with on of their key backs.
Robinson revealed he called Fittler to address the comments.
“There was 17 guys in that team that played the other night. I think we’ve got to remember that,” Robinson told reporters on Saturday.
“I think to isolate (Mitchell) is not how it should be.”
Robinson went on to defend the 21-year-old, saying the Kangaroos representative has delivered many times on the big stage.
He took offence to claims the Roosters were unhappy with Mitchell, whose form has dipped since an imposing performance against the Wests Tigers in round eight.
In the three subsequent games, Mitchell has carried the ball for just 50-metres a game, dragging his season average to 77m per match.
“There’s been a bit of talk about how we’ve felt about it too, which is, pardon the French, a load of crap,” Robinson said.
He admitted Mitchell had produced a couple of “down” games but he was still supported.
“Come on. You’ve got to support people in both (good and bad) times, and that’s what we’ll do with Latrell.”
Mitchell Aubusson will deputise in the centres, while Nat Butcher takes second-rower Crichton’s spot in a Roosters side currently in third despite back-to-back defeats.
They take on a Penrith outfit that have won two straight but remain just two points above last-placed Canterbury.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed son Nathan would back-up from Origin as he attempts to retain his spot for game-two after also copping criticism.
“(Nathan) said he thought he did OK but there were parts he thought he could’ve done more,” Cleary said.
“I think he’s seeing things more and understands where he can do a little bit more. He should only get better if he gets that chance.”
Cleary also confirmed the club now has the flexibility to recruit players before the June 30 deadline following Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s release on Friday.
Penrith have been linked to a reunion with Tyrone Peachey, who has reportedly asked Gold Coast for a release six months into a lucrative three-year deal.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Roosters are scoring the most first half points of any team this season (166), while the Panthers are scoring the fewest (63).
* Penrith are aiming to avoid scoring less than 18 points in a seventh straight home game for the first time 37 years.
* The Roosters are aiming to avoid a third straight loss for the first time in three years.