Jan 13th, 2020

Jan 13th, 2020

Latrell Mitchell has revealed the devastating toll his contract fiasco had on his family, saying his mum was reduced to tears following months of speculation.

Mitchell was officially unveiled this afternoon as a member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs after his four-year career at the Sydney Roosters came to an end.

The young star's move to the Rabbitohs ended two months of constant media speculation over his future, with Mitchell's image taking a battering due to perceptions of greed.

The 22-year-old was linked with moves to the North Queensland Cowboys, Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs before finally deciding to take his talents to Redfern.

Latrell Mitchell (Getty)

Speaking at a Rabbitohs media conference, Mitchell spoke for the first time about how the negative publicity had affected his family.

"Mentally I've dealt with it pretty well at my age," Mitchell said.

"Just for my family, I think it's hit hardest the most.

"My mum, she's always in tears because of the stories that were coming out.

"For me, that's where it hit home really hard, because my mum - she's my best friend.

"For her to be upset about everything that's going on about me and my career, that was the hardest part about all of it."

Mitchell was reportedly offered a multi-year deal worth close to $1 million per season by the Tigers which he turned down.

He explained why he turned down the deal, admitting money will follow as he focuses on his personal goals.

Latrell Mitchell (Getty)

"I just wanted to hold off and explore everything before I came to a decision," he said.

"I knew if I would've jumped straight into that Tigers deal I probably would've regretted it.

"And I understand where the money was at, but it's not all about the money everyone made it out to be.

"There's goals in my life that I want to set that money brings, but then again you've got to set that up.

"For the next 12 months I'm here I just want to keep striving for that and play some good footy.