Shaquai Mitchell lugs the ball up the field and crashes into bruising defences, but the South Sydney prop may have just made the bravest move of his career off the field.
Latrell Mitchell’s older brother has revealed in a raw interview with 9News that a battle with depression and anxiety resulted in him attempting to commit suicide.
“I’ll stand up and say it: I’ve attempted (to) commit suicide and everything myself,” Mitchell said.
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“It was a very, very long process. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t quick. It was three, four years of good, harsh punishment from the inside out.”
Mitchell’s fight against mental health coincided with struggles with his weight.
But he’s whittled down from 167 kilograms to 116, making him almost unrecognisable.
His relentless work culminated in him joining the Rabbitohs’ top-30 roster on a two-year deal in November.
More importantly, Mitchell is now in a happy place.
Watch the NRL All Stars on Saturday, February 11 live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“Been head down, bum up since day dot,” he said.
“Now I’m standing here as a fully grown man. I’m strong, I’m powerful. The mental state, the emotional state, the spiritual state … I’ve never been this strong in my life and now I can show my kids that anyone can do anything.
“To get away from the game, to be (a) stronger person and come back, it just means it makes it a little bit more special.”
Mitchell spoke to 9News from New Zealand, where he’ll represent the Indigenous team in the NRL All Stars game on Saturday.
Latrell will play at fullback and his older brother has been named to start in the front row.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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