The Bulldogs are hatching an audacious $5 million play for Latrell Mitchell that would make the dumped Blues star one of the highest-paid players in NRL history.

An intermediary acting for the Bulldogs secretly met with Mitchell’s father, Matt, to discuss the prospect of the young Roosters superstar leaving for Belmore on a $1 million-per-annum deal over five years. While no offer has yet been tabled, it is an indication of the sort of salary the Roosters star can command if he puts himself on the open market.

Canterbury are ready to make a big-money play for Latrell Mitchell. Credit:AAP

Mitchell is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2020, but rival clubs can begin tabling official offers from November 1. The Bulldogs snuck under everyone’s guard when they poached Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak from Penrith and now have their sights set on an even bigger coup.

A $5 million payday would make the 22-year-old one of the game’s highest-paid stars. He would join a select few able to command a long-term, seven-figure annual payday that includes Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, Jason Taumalolo, Sam Burgess and Anthony Milford.