SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters celebrates after the 2019 NRL Grand Final match between the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Roosters star Latrell Mitchell is set to hold talks with his management next week to discuss his future in Sydney, with a $3 million deal in the eyes of the Kangaroos centre.
Mitchell's representatives believe the 22-year-old could be on the end of a $1.2 million-a-year deal from rival clubs if the Roosters are to hesitate on an upgrade for their playmaker.
Mitchell will enter next season as his final year under contract in Sydney, where he will be hoping to seek an upgrade before planning to discuss with coach Trent Robinson an extension until the end of 2023.
Contract talks have been put on delay following the Roosters' NRL Grand Final victory and with Mitchell currently residing with the Australian squad to take on New Zealand in Wollongong.
A new deal for fellow Sydney centre Joey Manu will be a caution for Mitchell, raising concern surrounding Mitchell's future with the Roosters.
Mitchell's manager Wayde Rushton claims the Roosters' starlet is hoping to stay in Bondi, while the club will be looking to retain his services for the long term.
Questions have been raised around Mitchell's worth once salary restrictions increase on sides, with rivals estimating the centre to cost between $800,000 and $1.2 million-a-season.
While Mitchell and Rushton haven't nominated a desired length for a new contract, it is believed a three-year deal would suffice.
A strong upgrade in pay will find its way into Mitchell's contract - but it remains to be known with which club - as those close to Mitchell believe he could receive a higher pay-grade with a rival club.
We are due to have a meeting with the Roosters next week to catch up about Latrell and try and work out where he will be in the next few years. Hopefully we can sort that out before November 1,” Rushton told the Daily Telegraph.
“Latrell was the highest point scorer in the competition this year and when the time was right, he can come through and seal a game so I would say the Roosters would want to keep him, yeah.
“Mate, Latrell has been there since he was a kid and it’s a happy environment for him — it’s a good environment for him and his family. There would be no reason for him to want to move.
“To get something worth with the Roosters would be ideal but we will have to wait until we have that meeting.
“The Roosters have a great roster but I think a guy like Latrell — who is starting to get into the peak of his football — would be getting paid what he’s worth.”
Mitchell will enter into the open market if a deal isn't finalised prior to the November 1st deadline.
“I have heard through the media about (rival) interest in Latrell but there’s been no official approach to myself about Latrell. Until November 1, I’d say all clubs are just waiting to see what happens,” Rushton said.
Despite being rumoured to offer Mitchell a 10-year, $10 million deal earlier this season, Canterbury has denied their interest in the Sydney playmaker.
“In the current market, I don’t know but hopefully the Roosters see what he is worth and are happy to accommodate that with a contract.” Rushton added.
Mitchell will represent Australia on Friday night against the Kiwi's on Friday, knowing a strong performance in the clash will showcase his worth for a big pay rise.