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Latrell Mitchell playing for Souths against Parramatta in the NRL’s Indigenous round.Credit: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Churchill asked for the text message to be withheld from publication,but he didn’t deny writing it or sending it to Pappas.

It’s damning of Souths management and Mitchell,describing him as an “imposter” and a “cancer”.

Churchill also questioned the motivations of Mitchell,saying his quest to help Indigenous people is a bigger motivation than helping Souths.

The text,which was sent after Parramatta defeated Souths 36-12 in the NRL’s Indigenous round in May,reads:“Where was the human headline Mitchell tonight Nicholas? Missing again,this was his big game apparently? Your club will not win another comp for another 40 years if this imposter remains at Souths.

“He is a complete myth who has the aboriginal cause paramount and south sydney second,if at all. I hope you and family are well. Nothing was done and now this cancer that is Mitchell has ruined the club.”

Latrell Mitchell leading Souths onto the field in round 12.Credit: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Mitchell,Pappas and South Sydney have all been approached for comment.

Churchill was aware the text was being distributed when contacted. He asked for it not to be published andwent public with criticism of Mitchell in theSun-Herald.

Rodney Churchill as a boy in 1967,with his dad Clive.Credit:Archive

He didn’t question his motivation for playing in those comments,but said he believed the Souths fullback was the “catalyst” for recent problems at Souths.

“I don’t think he has delivered as a fullback at all,” Churchill said.

“Souths have not won a competition in his time,and they’ve had the team to do it. In my view,he has not put in 100 per cent effort. The way he has been treated has had a negative effect on the whole club. In my view,Mitchell has been the catalyst for this whole implosion. The whole situation has backfired.

“Gus (Phil) Gould came out and said a few things about him (Mitchell) not delivering. He was proved right.

“He is the world’s best centre and is totally out of position as fullback. The coach has got it wrong. He (Mitchell) is too lazy and doesn’t have the physique to be a fullback.”

Responding to those comments,Souths chief executive Blake Solly said:“Our club has always had enormous respect for the Churchill family and Clive’s unique contribution to the Rabbitohs. Our boardroom is named in his honour.

“But these comments are inaccurate and unfortunate. This time last year everyone in the game was marvelling at Latrell’s performance against the Roosters in a sudden-death semi-final,and he has just been nominated for an NRL leadership award. Latrell’s passion and commitment to the Rabbitohs is as strong as anyone in our club.”

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