‘I Doubt They’re Permitted’: Outrage as Latrell and Leniu Enforce Media Blackout in Origin Camp

Two prominent players from the NSW Blues, Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu, have opted for a media blackout while in camp in preparation for next week’s State of Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. This decision comes despite their NRL contracts requiring them to engage with the media.

Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed that both Mitchell and Leniu will follow their own media bans to minimise tensions before game one.

Mitchell has already kept a low profile, avoiding media interactions with Souths throughout the season, which has captured the NRL’s attention, though no action has yet been taken against him.

Both players participated in team photos as the NSW squad commenced their 10-day camp at the NSW Centre of Excellence on Monday, but chose not to engage with the media.

Leniu, named on the bench for NSW, was involved in a confrontation with Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston during and following the Roosters’ victory over the Broncos last month.

During this incident, Leniu expressed his displeasure to Thurston regarding his previous remarks about the Ezra Mam racism scandal that took place in Las Vegas last year.

Earlier, Leniu received an eight-match suspension from the NRL for calling Mam a “monkey” in their season opener.

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Speculation suggests that Thurston’s reaction to Mam’s subsequent car accident last October may have instigated their confrontation, as Thurston had expressed criticism of Leniu without addressing Mam directly.

Mitchell, too, faced backlash following an expletive-laden radio interview after a match last season.

Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Michael Chammas from Nine and the Sydney Morning Herald noted that South Sydney is supportive of Mitchell’s decision to sidestep media obligations.

“They’re content for Latrell to avoid the media, allowing him to concentrate on his footy, and if they incur a fine, then that’s the price they’re willing to pay,” he stated.

“They will manage it because Latrell is adamant that he wants to eliminate distractions, and this is the approach he wishes to take.”

However, Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould expressed uncertainty regarding how long this situation might persist.

“I don’t think they are permitted to enforce media bans. They have contractual obligations,” he remarked.

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The media bans will likely lead to fines from the NRL.

“Clearly, they aren’t concerned about the potential fines, yet there has been no action from the NRL on this issue,” Gould remarked.

Mitchell aims to let his performance on the field do the talking, and his strategy appears effective, as he has returned to form for the Rabbitohs following his injury. Selected as left centre by the Blues, he is poised to be a key player in the forthcoming Origin series.