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Dragons brace for Roosters ace Mitchell

3 minute read

St George Illawarra say stopping Sydney Roosters' "freak" Latrell Mitchell is the key to winning their Anzac Day NRL showdown.

TYSON FRIZELL of Australia makes a run during the International Test match between Tonga and Australia at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
TYSON FRIZELL of Australia makes a run during the International Test match between Tonga and Australia at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

St George Illawarra admit the key to upsetting NRL premiers the Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day will be shutting down wonderkid Latrell Mitchell.

The 21-year-old Mitchell has been unstoppable this season, almost single-handedly beating Melbourne last weekend, including a golden-point field goal.

Dragons fullback Matt Dufty labelled Mitchell the best centre in the game and said the second-placed Roosters (5-1) were flawless.

"I versed (Mitchell) growing up and I think he's gotten a bit bigger since I last saw him, he gets bigger every time I see him," Dufty said.

"He's the best centre in the comp at the moment and he's going to take some stopping. (He's) a daunting task for any fullback in the comp, he's the last person you want to see break the line.

"The Roosters are the reigning premiers for a reason. Their defensive line is probably the best in the comp and I think we'll have to come up with some trick plays to get through it."

Mitchell has scored 48 tries in 77 NRL games while also starring for NSW and Australia in his short but sensational career.

Dragons duo Paul Vaughan and Jordan Pereira both dubbed Mitchell a "freak" and hoped to avoid the NRL's leading pointscorer at the SCG.

"He's an absolute freak, hopefully he doesn't come to the middle too much so I don't have to worry about that, but the backs, I'm sure they'll do their best to shut him down," Vaughan said of his Blues teammate.

The Dragons (4-2) have enjoyed an impressive start to the season but forward Tyson Frizell said only their best would beat Mitchell and the Roosters.

"They've been playing some awesome footy, they're the standout team probably by far in the competition, playing really consistent footy," Frizell said.

"In terms of defending (Mitchell) it's not an easy job, he's a very, very damaging player. He can slide it from anywhere."

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