NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell could be headed to Western Australia in a huge move away from Redfern which would see one of the biggest names in the sport become the poster boy for the new Perth Bears franchise.
The Rabbitohs are happy to see Mitchell go to the open market from November 1.
A move to Perth would not happen until 2028 as he is still under contract for another season.
According to Code Sports, the Bears are preparing a deal worth $1.1million a season.
With third party deals, the Kangaroos and Blues star could earn closer to $2million annually.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett recently defended Mitchell and the club regarding speculation over his future.
“I’m as confident as I am with anybody that Latrell will stay,” Bennett said.
“I don’t know anything about Latrell doing that [going to Novermber 1].. it’s news to me.
“I’m comfortable with where we stand with Latrell.
“At this point in time, we don’t want to lose Latrell, but we’ll wait and see.
“The talk around him is garbage.
“I can’t understand the criticism around him.
“I don’t care what people say about him.. Latrell is a contracted player here and I know what he is capable of.”
The 29-year-old has played nine games for Australia, eleven for New South Wales and a two-time premiership winner at the Rabbitohs.
