Latrell Mitchell tipped to become NRL's first $2 million player

Latrell Mitchell has been tipped to become the highest player in NRL history, making as much as $2 million in one year between his contract and endorsements.

The South Sydney player’s star power is more bright than ever both on and off the field.

The Rabbitohs have won eight of their 11 games since Mitchell returned in the final stages of the season, as they spearhead their way through the finals series. 

NRL/Supplied.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Latrell is ‘now the most valuable player in rugby league, bar none’.

The Indigenous star is free to talk to rival clubs in two months, and while the Rabbitohs are keen to talk to him at the end of the season, there could be a serious market for him.

NRL reporter Phil Rothfield believes Mitchell’s on-field performances warrant him a $1.4 million contract within the salary cap, while he could be worth another $600,000 in endorsements.

He claims the likes of Nike, Adidas, Telstra, Channel 9, and many, many more or after him, calling the player a ‘one-man marketing phenomenon’.

Mitchell currently earns $850,000 a year under his current deal at the Souths which runs until the end of next season, however, he is free to talk to clubs about 2024 in the coming months. 

While the Bunnies seem confident in keeping him, News Corp has reported that the Dolphins are considering a three-year, $4 million offer for the fullback.

NRL/Supplied.

Reuniting with Wayne Bennett may be a tantalising prospect for the New South Wales star. 

It’s hard to argue that he isn’t the single most valuable asset in the NRL, and with Nathan Cleary earning $1.3 million it wouldn’t be a shock to see Latrell negotiate his way to earning more.

And with the salary cap expected to be pushed up to $12 million a year, all the bargaining chips are in his favour.

Rothfield explained: “The Daily Telegraph’s recent Rich 100 list revealed Nathan Cleary as the game’s highest paid player on $1.3 million a year.

“His magnificent Friday night performance against the Parramatta Eels was proof he is worth every penny of that amount.

“Latrell has the same influence on the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

“Souths have a 78.2 per cent win record with Latrell playing and 58.6 when he’s missing.

“This isn’t just about his value as a great football player. It’s the Latrell brand.”