State of Origin 2025 | Latrell Mitchell and Spencer Leniu media bans, NSW Blues, Andrew Johns feedback

Blues greats Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have backed Spencer Leniu and Latrell Mitchell’s choices to not communicate with the media amid a combined response.

Leniu hasn’t spoken to the media since his incident with Johnathan Thurston final month whereas Mitchell has determined to let his soccer do the speaking up to now this season.

Benny Elias described it as a “blight on the sport” to Broad World of Sports activities, whereas Phil Gould reminded them they’ve “obligations” underneath NRL legislation.

Nonetheless, Johns says he has “received no drawback in any respect” with it.

“I believe it is their very own choice, each the gamers, for no matter cause, whether or not they haven’t got relationships with sure media retailers or really feel like they have been unfairly handled, I see it as their choice to not discuss and we must always respect that,” he stated on Broad World of Sports activities’ Freddy and the Eighth.

“I do know there’s contracts and all this nevertheless it’s these two gamers’ choice and I assist it.”

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Fittler warned there could possibly be a precedent set by their actions.

“There must be one thing a bit extra formal I believe,” he stated.

Regardless of that, the previous Blues coach wasn’t vital of the stance from Leniu and Mitchell.

“I do not thoughts it really, the quantity of discuss we do today, having Latrell not discuss I believe has added intrigue to the sport,” he stated.

Brad Fittler and Latrell Mitchell. 9/Getty

“I believe that is the place a Wayne Bennett fashion character has actually helped our sport as a result of he really would not discuss and when you take a look at the opposite facet of it there’s a lot over-talking that it is turn into the true rarity.”

Nonetheless, in relation to Origin soccer, the chance of a large speaking level will increase exponentially in comparison with membership matches.

Fittler believes this can current the principle drawback with the choice.

“I really feel like in State of Origin there’s going to be moments, and if there’s a large second we’ll need to discuss to Latrell or whoever it’s, they could must intention up,” he stated.

“The gamers signed a cope with the sport so it is between the sport and the gamers that they kind this out, I can settle for that gamers go on media bans for a sure time period. You may’t simply not discuss to the media without end.”