Latrell Mitchell says he could 'retire happy' after winning Rugby League World Cup

Aussie sensation Latrell Mitchell says he could ‘retire happy’ in an emotional post-game interview after winning the Rugby League World Cup.

The Kangaroos secured their 12th World Cup with a 30-10 victory over Samoa at Old Trafford over the weekend.

The Rabbitohs star scored two tries, made seven tackle busts, two linebreaks, and a linebreak assist with his contribution in the game.

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He spoke to reporters following the game in which he explained that lifting that trophy has been the pinnacle of his career.

He said: “To be honest I actually dreamt about this last night, it sort of woke me up out of my sleep.

“I suppose if you didn’t have dreams you wouldn’t be able to achieve it.

“I followed mine and the boys set out to do something six or seven weeks ago to bring the trophy home. It’s surreal.

“I’m just a country boy from Taree I suppose.

“My dad always gave me a kick up the a**e at the age of 15 to be able to move out of Taree and achieve something, to be someone. I think I’ve been able to do that.

“Six or seven weeks now I’ve left my two kids, I just want to get back to the farm and see them. It’s all worth it now, I get to hold a trophy, I get to hold a medal, I get to have that jersey hanging up on my wall and look at it 15 years down the track and be really proud of the bunch of blokes I got to call brothers.

“For myself, I could retire happy.”

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The fullback lifted the trophy at Old Trafford, a feat in itself that he considers one of the greatest moments of his career.

He said: “It was good to come and watch a game of football, you put it into perspective of Cristiano Ronaldo — a well-known athlete, who he is — and then for us to be the main attraction it’s definitely a special moment I’ll hold close to my heart.

“I’ll remember this for the rest of my life, it’s something I’ve always wanted to tick off as a young fella.

“I’ve done a few other things in the game but this was No.1 for me and I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity.”

Mitchell believes that there can be no doubt now who the best international footy team is.

He said: “We’re ranked No.1 now — we should have been all along. We proved why and we’re going to keep proving it the next couple of years.”

Topics: Australia, NRL, Rugby League, Latrell Mitchell

Jayden Collins

Jayden Collins is a Journalist at SPORTbible. He has worked across multiple media platforms in areas such as sport, music, pop culture, entertainment and politics. He is part of the editorial team for LADbible Australia.