Latrell Mitchell's brother Shaq called up in shock All Stars announcement

It won't be a family affair however as Latrell's ban for a high tackle last season excludes him from the clash.

Shaq Mitchell wearing a rabbitohs jersey.

Shaquai Mitchell has been named as a surprise replacement for Jack Bird, who won't appear due to injury. Source: South Sydney Rabbitohs: Sunny Brar

Shaquai Mitchell, older brother of star player Latrell, will replace St George Illawarra playmaker Jack Bird due to injury in this weekend's All Stars match.

The 25-year-old prop hasn't played an NRL game but has been training with South Sydney's NSW Cup side, reportedly losing 30kg in the process. 

Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley confirmed the change ahead of his team's showdown against the Maori All Stars at Parramatta's Commbank Stadium on Saturday, but admitted he has never seen the older Mitchell play. 

"I'm really looking forward to seeing him play because I spoke to his coach Jason Demetriou and he said for a big man he has tremendous skill," Daley told Sky Sports Radio on Monday.

"I haven't seen him play. I remember hearing and reading about him coming through the junior grades.

"He obviously had a little bit of an issue with his weight, but he has lost a few kilos while training with the Rabbitohs over the off-season."

There will be no opportunity for Latrell and Shaq to take to the field together, however, with the former still suspended for his hit on Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu last season.
Latrell is not allowed to play in the All Stars clash but will be available for the Rabbitohs' Charity Shield clash against St George Illawarra the following week.

His NRL return is scheduled for Souths' Round 3 game against the Roosters.

For Shaq, who will feature in an Indigenous side that is light-on for forwards, the fixture provides an opportunity to put himself in the shop window for a permanent NRL contract.

St George Illawarra prop Josh Kerr and Cowboys forward Jamayne Taunoa-Brown are two players who have advanced their careers in recent years by playing in the All Stars game.


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2 min read
Published 7 February 2022 1:50pm
Updated 7 February 2022 1:59pm
Source: NITV News, AAP


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