Latrell Mitchell at centre of troubling new trend as State of Origin hype derailed by own stars
The NRL has been urged to act before it is too late as stars are increasingly being allowed to escape their media obligations without punishment.
Any player named in either the NSW Blues or Queensland Maroons side for any Origin game nets them an extra $30,000. And much like at club level their duties extend beyond the footy field, with media obligations and training requirements all part of what they are being paid for.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
However, ahead of Game 1 and Game 2, players such as Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu have reportedly put themselves on 'media bans', opting out of speaking to the press.
Mitchell did no media duties for Game 1 and even left in the early hours of Thursday morning to return to NSW, potentially in a bid to avoid the media – who often wait for the two sides as they enter the bus on Thursday morning to get reactions to the game.
And again ahead of Game 2 in Perth, Mitchell is staying away from the cameras, as he has done for the entirety of the 2025 NRL season.
The Rabbitohs star has yet to do a single interview during the 2025 NRL season, with Souths reportedly happy for the fullback to stay out of the spotlight and solely focus on his footy.
He's not the only one given special treatment either, with Leniu also given the green light to avoid any interviews or press conferences since his sideline run-in with Maroons icon Johnathan Thurston after a Roosters game earlier this season.
However, the self-imposed media bans certain players have undertaken have seen the hype for NRL games and State of Origin in particular at an all-time low.
The build-up and bad blood heading into Game 1, was almost entirely forced by past players, with barely any of the current stars saying anything to either get fans excited or their blood boiling.
And the lack of interviews and access certain players are giving to fans has led to growing fears that the growth of the game could be stunted by players being able to pick and choose when to engage with the media.
'The NRL need to be careful with State of Origin because what we saw in Origin 1 was the closest thing we've seen to an NRL game,' NRL reporter David Riccio said on SEN on Friday.
'The media build-up and promotion is critical to the hype and excitement before the game, but it's become so boring and so vanilla.
'We're not hearing from the actual players. The game has a responsibility to ensure the actual superstars promote the game and sell the game.
' … We can't allow Game 2 to unfold the way the first one did, This game has to be an absolute spectacle to win over the West Australian public.'
Knights legend Matty Johns echoed a similar sentiment, stating any player collecting a payday should be required to front the media whether it be requested by the club or a media outlet.
'If you're getting paid that money, I think it's your responsibility to talk and it's your responsibility to build the game up,' Johns said.
Former Broncos and Warriors player Denan Kemp agreed, saying the NRL is missing out big time without Mitchell and Leniu promoting the game.
'The NRL need to cultivate an environment in which the players feel safe to say whatever they want (to an extent),' Kemp said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Lani Pallister breaks Commonwealth 1500m freestyle record at Australian Swimming Trials
Lani Pallister has concluded her extraordinary meet on the final night of the Australian Swimming Trials, winning the 1500m freestyle setting a Commonwealth record time of 15:39.14. Pallister will compete in four freestyle events at the world championships in Singapore next month, ranging from 200m to 1500m. The 23-year-old has seen a huge jump in form since moving to new coach Dean Boxall after spending the first part of her career under the wing of her mother, former Olympic swimmer Janelle Pallister (nee Elford). Her time in the 1500m was a second under the previous Commonwealth record set in 2015 by New Zealander Lauren Boyle and a staggering 10 seconds below her personal best from three years ago. But she said she had more to give ahead of the world championships in five weeks. "Every time I finished a race, 200 to the 1500, there's always something that I looked to be like that can be so much better," Pallister said. "I'm just so excited to build on it, I don't think that's my limit by any means." Pallister heads a squad of 40 to contest the world championships. The team contains 10 debutants and a further five who are going to their first long-course world championships. The youngest competitor in the team is 16-year-old breaststroke sensation, Sienna Toohey. The oldest is sprinter Cameron McEvoy (31), who is going to his seventh world championships. McEvoy told Toohey she had a long career in front of her. "You could be around for 20-plus years in the sport," he said. "Just make the most of it, because I'm at the later end of that — it's an absolute roller-coaster of an experience." McEvoy was disqualified from the 50m butterfly on the final night of competition for moving on the blocks in a race won by another veteran Kyle Chalmers. Chalmers said he wanted to mentor the new Dolphins. "When I first came on to the team it was very challenging as a 16-year-old," he said. "I want to make sure that their first experience is probably a lot better than mine was. Asked what advice he'd give to the debutants, Chalmers said he would urge them to "slow down and enjoy it". "You work so hard to be on that team and it's very easy to get caught up putting all that pressure and expectation on yourself. "I don't feel that I enjoyed it as much as I should have on my first few teams. "I got straight into that I want to win and do everything I possibly can do to win and beat myself up if I wasn't doing well in training and beat myself up if I wasn't doing well at training and burn myself out. "Whereas I think it's really important for these young kids to enjoy the fruits of their labour, like they've all worked so hard to be on the Australian swimming team." Chalmers said that although he had qualified for the 50m butterfly at the world championships, he would not swim the event. "It's on the same day as the four-by-one freestyle and that's still my main priority is to play my part in that relay for the boys," Chalmers said. The Singapore squad includes Paris and Tokyo Olympic champions, Kaylee McKeown and Mollie O'Callaghan, who expressed disappointment with their times at this meet. McKeown has qualified for the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events, while O'Callaghan has qualified for the two shorter backstroke events and the 100m and 200m freestyle. National head coach Rohan Taylor said the pair motivated themselves by setting such high expectations. "They're pretty hard on themselves, I think they need to be a bit kinder to themselves," he said. "We know that's the struggles they're going through, so we're supporting them. "For them to be maybe behind on their preparations — even though they're still good enough to make the team — they're just a little bit short of the work, so they're really just trying to push themselves along. "The plan is always LA [2028 Olympics], so this is part of the plan. It's just them expecting that that's what happens. "We also know that what makes them world's best is that they just are never satisfied, they just keep driving themselves." In other events on the final night of the trials, Paris silver medallist, Meg Harris won the women's 50m freestyle event in a time of 24.17 seconds. "I surprised myself this week which I was definitely happy about," she said. It's definitely been a different prep, and I think so many people have said that they've not got what they needed or didn't do some things. "I did it completely different to what I've ever done before and I'm happy with that swim, it's faster than what I went at trials last year. So just excited for worlds," he said. Harris said it was difficult to find her motivation after the Paris Olympics. "Coming off such a high, I didn't experience that much of a low after Tokyo — like just figuring out, 'wow I've done that, what's next?'" Harris said. Ella Ramsay and Jenna Forester battled all the way in the women's 400m individual medley with Ramsay winning by just .07 seconds. Ramsay's time of 4:36.12 was more than 12 seconds slower than the time set by 18-year-old Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh when she broke the world record at the Canadian trials earlier in the week. Dual Olympian Brendon Smith qualified for the men's 400m individual medley with William Petric in second also qualifying.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘Dreaded' sledge revealed as Australia burned in World Test Championship final
South African captain Temba Bavuma has revealed one of Australia's players tried getting in his head with the dreaded 'chokers' tag on day four of the World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas defeated reigning champions Australia by five wickets at the home of cricket courtesy of a career-defining century from opener Aiden Markram, ending a 27-year trophy drought for the rainbow nation. The South Africans have become renowned as perennial chokers in ICC events, losing nine semi-finals in nine attempts across World Cups and Champions Trophy tournaments since 1999. Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference on Sunday, Bavuma confirmed one of Australia's players reminded him of South Africa's record in ICC knockouts, prefacing there 'wasn't a lot of chatter' out on the field. 'The tag of us being chokers, that came about this morning,' Bavuma recalled. 'One of their players threw out the fact we could still get bowled out ... I definitely heard that.' In another interview, Bavuma added: 'Whilst we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word, 'choke'. 'It's been years since we've overcome a final, we've been etched in history, we're part of something that has never been done. It's special in a lot of ways.' Asked about the chokers sledge, Markram responded: 'It will be great to not have to hear it again, that's for sure.' The Proteas had plenty of demons to conquer on Day 3 with the memory of choking yet again still fresh from last year's loss to India in the T20 World Cup. South Africa's women's side also fell short in the final of both the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups to add to the heartbreak. 'It's not just that they've never won one,' Mel Jones said during the first session on Prime Video. 'They've been in so many commanding positions, year after year, in such a wide range of events, from the Champions Trophy to the 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup. 'Apologies to the South Africans listening, I don't want to take you down a horrendous trail, but I think this is why so many have come today, it's history in the making. 'I reckon there's even some Aussies there going 'we wouldn't mind'.' We're not so sure about that one, Mel, Aussie cricket fans are greedy and pretty accustomed to success. But this South African team under coach Shukri Conrad and diminutive, combative skipper Bavuma, finally has its crowning moment. Pat Cummins' team came into the match as heavy favourites, but serious question marks will now be asked about his ageing side as the Proteas eagerly snatched the WTC Mace from the defending champions. Resuming on 2/213 in their second innings on Saturday, needing just 69 runs to win, South Africa lost skipper Temba Bavuma (66) early in the day but still had few troubles chasing down the 282-run total in a momentous win for the perennial bridesmaids. Opener Aiden Markram's (136) match-winning knock ended with just six runs required, but South Africa still marched to the biggest title in their long cricketing history. Australia's Steve Smith, sidelined by a gruesome finger injury for the final day, is still in imperious form at the age of 36. But the heavy defeat means fellow veterans Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja will now be under even more scrutiny, with the likes of Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis waiting in the wings. Cummins said his side had been faced with a 'bridge too far' after failing to capitalise on its first innings lead. 'Things can change pretty quickly,' said Cummins at the post-match presentation ceremony. 'Unfortunately, it was a bridge too far.' Smith's first-innings 66 was the only score of fifty or more in the match by a specialist Australia batsman. Smith, however, suffered a dislocated finger while dropping a slip catch and is now doubtful for the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados on June 25. Australia, now at the start of a new WTC cycle, may have to review their batting options more broadly, with Marnus Labuschagne who averaged a lowly 25.63 in Tests during the 2024/25 season, out for 17 and 22 at Lord's after being promoted to open the innings. 'We've got a couple of weeks before the first Test in the Windies, so we'll sit down and have a bit of a think,' said Cummins. 'To make these finals, it's normally off the back of being really strong at home, but you've got to win some away series too,' he later told reporters at a post-match press conference. 'So, in some ways, it's good we get to dust ourselves off and turn around in a couple of weeks and start looking ahead to the next one. 'That's one of the good things about the World Test Championship, every Test series and every Test match feels like you're playing for something significant.'
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australia eye 'reset' after shock World Test final loss
Captain Pat Cummins acknowledges Australia will undergo a "reset" after another top-order capitulation opened the door for a South African upset for the ages. Not having lost a ICC final since 2010, Australia were upstaged by Temba Bavuma's fighting Proteas at Lord's, a five-wicket defeat crushing their hopes of defending the World Test Championship title they won in 2023. Australia's batting woes were laid bare, particularly in the second innings when only plucky knocks from star quick Mitchell Starc and wicketkeeper Alex Carey saved the No.1-ranked team from utter embarrassment. Batting conditions became ideal at the start of day three when the sun came out, the pitch was suddenly flat, and pace bowlers struggled for the movement they got in the first innings. But it was too late for the Australians, who were already 8-144 to start Friday, a lead of only 212. "There's probably quite a few people in the line-up that wish they could have done a little bit more," Cummins said. "Obviously, the top three was an obvious one in this game." Promoted from No.3 to open in a Test for the first time, struggling Marnus Labuschagne got starts, but ultimately only made 17 and 22 to extend his century drought to almost 24 months. Labuschagne's opening partner, 38-year-old Usman Khawaja, was again exposed against express pace after falling to Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada for scores of 0 and 7. Khawaja made a career-best 232 on slow pitches in Sri Lanka earlier this year, but his recent history against quality fast bowlers is a concern. Cameron Green, who batted at No.3 in his first Test since March 2024 after recovering from back surgery, was also troubled by Rabada and was out for 4 and 0. Green, aged 26, was the only member of the Australian XI in his 20s in this Test. But after suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger at Lord's, star No.4 Steve Smith is almost no chance to play in at least the first Test against the West Indies. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is set to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But Josh Inglis, who scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, is also in the squad and could be given a chance. "In white-ball series a lot of the time, you build on four-year cycles around World Cups for ODIs," Cummins said. "Maybe it's an opportunity in the Test matches to do something similar. But it's a little bit early to tell. "Coming into this match, you've got guys like Sam Konstas and Scotty Boland, Josh Inglis, all those guys who are right on the fringes. "After this Test match, everyone gets thrown back into the conversation, and it's a little bit of a reset for the first Test against the West Indies. "Give it a 48 hours, everyone kind of digests and works out if we keep the same squad." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which broadcast the World Test Championship final. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledges Australia will undergo a "reset" after another top-order capitulation opened the door for a South African upset for the ages. Not having lost a ICC final since 2010, Australia were upstaged by Temba Bavuma's fighting Proteas at Lord's, a five-wicket defeat crushing their hopes of defending the World Test Championship title they won in 2023. Australia's batting woes were laid bare, particularly in the second innings when only plucky knocks from star quick Mitchell Starc and wicketkeeper Alex Carey saved the No.1-ranked team from utter embarrassment. Batting conditions became ideal at the start of day three when the sun came out, the pitch was suddenly flat, and pace bowlers struggled for the movement they got in the first innings. But it was too late for the Australians, who were already 8-144 to start Friday, a lead of only 212. "There's probably quite a few people in the line-up that wish they could have done a little bit more," Cummins said. "Obviously, the top three was an obvious one in this game." Promoted from No.3 to open in a Test for the first time, struggling Marnus Labuschagne got starts, but ultimately only made 17 and 22 to extend his century drought to almost 24 months. Labuschagne's opening partner, 38-year-old Usman Khawaja, was again exposed against express pace after falling to Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada for scores of 0 and 7. Khawaja made a career-best 232 on slow pitches in Sri Lanka earlier this year, but his recent history against quality fast bowlers is a concern. Cameron Green, who batted at No.3 in his first Test since March 2024 after recovering from back surgery, was also troubled by Rabada and was out for 4 and 0. Green, aged 26, was the only member of the Australian XI in his 20s in this Test. But after suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger at Lord's, star No.4 Steve Smith is almost no chance to play in at least the first Test against the West Indies. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is set to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But Josh Inglis, who scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, is also in the squad and could be given a chance. "In white-ball series a lot of the time, you build on four-year cycles around World Cups for ODIs," Cummins said. "Maybe it's an opportunity in the Test matches to do something similar. But it's a little bit early to tell. "Coming into this match, you've got guys like Sam Konstas and Scotty Boland, Josh Inglis, all those guys who are right on the fringes. "After this Test match, everyone gets thrown back into the conversation, and it's a little bit of a reset for the first Test against the West Indies. "Give it a 48 hours, everyone kind of digests and works out if we keep the same squad." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which broadcast the World Test Championship final. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledges Australia will undergo a "reset" after another top-order capitulation opened the door for a South African upset for the ages. Not having lost a ICC final since 2010, Australia were upstaged by Temba Bavuma's fighting Proteas at Lord's, a five-wicket defeat crushing their hopes of defending the World Test Championship title they won in 2023. Australia's batting woes were laid bare, particularly in the second innings when only plucky knocks from star quick Mitchell Starc and wicketkeeper Alex Carey saved the No.1-ranked team from utter embarrassment. Batting conditions became ideal at the start of day three when the sun came out, the pitch was suddenly flat, and pace bowlers struggled for the movement they got in the first innings. But it was too late for the Australians, who were already 8-144 to start Friday, a lead of only 212. "There's probably quite a few people in the line-up that wish they could have done a little bit more," Cummins said. "Obviously, the top three was an obvious one in this game." Promoted from No.3 to open in a Test for the first time, struggling Marnus Labuschagne got starts, but ultimately only made 17 and 22 to extend his century drought to almost 24 months. Labuschagne's opening partner, 38-year-old Usman Khawaja, was again exposed against express pace after falling to Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada for scores of 0 and 7. Khawaja made a career-best 232 on slow pitches in Sri Lanka earlier this year, but his recent history against quality fast bowlers is a concern. Cameron Green, who batted at No.3 in his first Test since March 2024 after recovering from back surgery, was also troubled by Rabada and was out for 4 and 0. Green, aged 26, was the only member of the Australian XI in his 20s in this Test. But after suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger at Lord's, star No.4 Steve Smith is almost no chance to play in at least the first Test against the West Indies. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is set to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But Josh Inglis, who scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, is also in the squad and could be given a chance. "In white-ball series a lot of the time, you build on four-year cycles around World Cups for ODIs," Cummins said. "Maybe it's an opportunity in the Test matches to do something similar. But it's a little bit early to tell. "Coming into this match, you've got guys like Sam Konstas and Scotty Boland, Josh Inglis, all those guys who are right on the fringes. "After this Test match, everyone gets thrown back into the conversation, and it's a little bit of a reset for the first Test against the West Indies. "Give it a 48 hours, everyone kind of digests and works out if we keep the same squad." This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which broadcast the World Test Championship final.
