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Mitchell magic conjures Roosters' NRL win

3 minute read

Latrell Mitchell says kicking a match-winning field goal was a dream come true as he booted the Sydney Roosters to a 21-20 win over Melbourne in the NRL.

JAMES TEDESCO of the Roosters runs the ball during the NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia.
JAMES TEDESCO of the Roosters runs the ball during the NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

Latrell Mitchell has achieved plenty in his short NRL career but his match-winning field goal against Melbourne in their NRL showdown is a first.

The Sydney Roosters centre broke a 20-20 deadlock in golden point time at AAMI Park on Good Friday to inflict another defeat on last year's grand final opponents.

"I've practised a lot at training and I've always dreamt of kicking a field goal in a game to win and I got my opportunity," the 21-year-old said.

"It was only the second field goal I've kicked in my life with the other one when I was a junior."

As well as the game-breaker Mitchell scored the opening try and set up another for James Tedesco with a powerhouse run.

He fended off Storm centre Curtis Scott and big winger Suliasi Vunivalu in a 40 metre run, in shades of Greg Inglis, who retired last week.

Mitchell said he was flattered to be compared to such a great of the game.

"He's an awesome player and I grew up as a kid looking up to him," he said.

"The comparison is humbling ...I've had it since I've been a junior but I want to start playing my own game like that goal-kicking.

"I just enjoy playing my own footy."

Mitchell said he was proud of his scoring ability but felt he still needed to improve his defence.

The Roosters lay second on the NRL ladder behind the Storm despite having the same points differential, with Melbourne's superior points against keeping them ahead.

Mitchell said they were pleased with the way they'd opened their title defence.

"It's a long way to go but we are getting our combinations and playing well as a team," he said.

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