Pearce hails Roosters’ other star Mitchell

Mitchell Pearce ranks Latrell Mitchell as good as any 20-year-old to have played rugby league and is tipping the gifted youngster to again “create something out on nothing” to vault the Sydney Roosters into another NRL grand final.

Two weeks after breaking Brisbane hearts with a devastating late try in the qualifying final, Mitchell looms as a potential gamebreaker in Saturday night’s preliminary final against North Queensland at Allianz Stadium.

“That’s what Latrell adds to the team. He’s just that natural talent who can win you games, like he did last week,” Pearce said.

“But he’s been doing that all year for us and even when he came in last year, some of his moments have been unbelievable, just his individual tries.

“But we’ve got a few players like that. Obviously Luke Keary is a real X-factor for us as well.

“As a halfback, it’s nice to know you have those guys with speed who can create something out of nothing.”

Pearce is not the least bit surprised fans are comparing Mitchell to a young Greg Inglis.

“I think the way he has played, the tries he has scored and the career highlights he has had so far for his age, have been as good as any of those players,” said the NSW State of Origin playmaker.

“Obviously he has got a long way to go, but he is an absolute superstar and he’s a real good guy and a humble guy. That’s why he’s been playing so well this year.

“He’s a team player and he’s kept his head down and worked hard since he got dropped – and it’s shown on the field.”

Roosters captain Boyd Cordner agrees Mitchell’s relegation to reserve grade has helped transform the classy three-quarter into “a complete player”.

“He’s a pretty special talent,” Cordner said.

“There was a lot of talk at the start of the year when he went down to reserve grade just to work on a few things.

“Since he’s come back, he’s been a new man and a new player. He’s been growing each week.

“He’s always had that X-factor about him and you saw in the last game how he can break open a game and win you a game.

“His form’s been unreal for us. He’s always been there for us in the clutch moments and his attitude around training is second to none.

“He’s a leader.”

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