Brad Takairangi’s plan to halt Roosters superstar Latrell Mitchell
He weighs 109kg and stands 194cm. And giant Eels centre Brad Takairangi is going to need every bit of muscle and power to try and stop the unstoppable — Sydney Roosters superstar Latrell Mitchell.
“I’m probably one of the biggest centres in the comp and I’ll have to use it this week,” Takairangi said.
Mitchell has been colossal during his past three games against Parramatta.
He has run for a combined total of 377 metres from 34 runs, scored a six tries, made 20 tackle busts and six linebreaks.
He scored a hat-trick against the Blue and Golds last year and he only ran the ball 10 times.
Eels’ right-side centre Takairangi will be tasked with trying to contain Mitchell’s brilliance at ANZ Stadium on Friday as unbeaten Parramatta face their biggest test this season.
And he plans on rushing the 21-year-old at every opportunity.
“You have to cut down his time,” Takairangi said. “The more time he gets with the ball the more destructive he can be.
“He is a big strong thing — he is up there with the best. He is strong and has good feet for a big boy. He absolutely killed it last year.”
Although he’s played almost 150 NRL games, Takairangi is yet to go up against Mitchell directly.
“I haven’t faced him player to player yet,” Takairangi said.
“It will be a good challenge. He is very skilful and we’re going to have our hands full. I can’t wait for it.
“We have to work as an edge together, solve things together, not one-out and stick to our systems.
“He (Mitchell) and Joey Manu were probably the benchmark centres last year. They come off an outstanding year. For our edge, it’s going to be a big challenge. We want to test ourselves against the best and they are definitely up there.
“We worked hard on our defensive principles over the pre-season. You don’t actually meet that much one-on-one but to you want to test yourself against the best.”
Eels centre Michael Jennings remembers a young Mitchell coming through at the Roosters during his time there between 2013 and 2015.
“He is a great young talent,” Jennings said. “He’s a good kid. When I was at the Roosters, he wanted to learn and was real disciplined. He wanted to have fun and you can see that in his game.”
Jennings has backed Takairangi’s ability to read the game and handle Mitchell’s dangerous running ability.
Replies
Instead of talking about it how about you just do it
I’m sure he intends to, butvthe game isn’t until Friday night
you don't need to give Mitchell motivation
don't for a second think that his team mates and coaches won't be in Latrell's ear saying stuff like "Taka thinks he can stop you"
Bingo
So what, bring it on I say. I hope Latrell brings his absolute A game.
Besides, nothing Taka said would’ve been news to the Roosters, he’s not reinventing the wheel here.
Hes replying to journo you moron.
Definately up there with Eric Grothe Sr who was a pioneer, Mal Meninga, Wendell Sailor, Greg Inglis, Chris Close etc
You dont get big, fast, strong and agile everyday.
When Kenny or EG Sr got the ball in their hands all bums where on the edge of their seats. Scintilating stuff.
If EG was going to be running at me, I'd definately do my will before the game. If Brett Kenny was my opposite number I'd make sure to book some therapy sessions after the game.
IMO Kenny was King. Lewis had the whole QLD RL pushing his agenda. If Kenny was more outspoken it may have been a differant story. Lewis never acheived more than Kenny yet one is an immortal and the other one isn't and that is a joke. Kenny was NSW's stand out player in the 80's. You mention the name Brett Kenny to any Northern Poms and they melt. He's still regarded the best Aussie to ever pull on a their club jerseys.
The Hill---They were the days my friend. (44 y.o speaking)
Take care, champ!