Latrell Mitchell forced to take hefty pay cut after signing for Rabbitohs

Latrell Mitchell has reportedly signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a two-year deal despite a hefty pay cut.

The 22-year-old centre was under contract with the Roosters until the end of 2020, but told the premiership winners last year he wanted to explore other options.

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The saga saw multiple clubs show interest, but back down.

However, Fox Sports reports the centre has signed for the Rabbitohs on a $600,000 for next season with an option to offer the Mitchell $800,000 in the second year.

The publication reports Mitchell met with club owner Russel Crowe to finalise the deal on Wednesday.

Mitchell sacrificed a potential pay rise from the Roosters after they offered him a contract extension of $800,000, before the 22-year-old started looking at his options.

The Bulldogs and Tigers were among the clubs reportedly interested in the centre.

However, the Bulldogs later came out to clarify they were not chasing the 22-year-olds signature.

NRL’s bushfire appeal

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has announced the opening week of the 2020 season will be a dedicated Bushfire Appeal Round to raise money for those affected.

It comes as fellow sporting bodies AFL and Cricket Australia begin considerations to host special matches to aid the bushfire appeal and sporting stars around the country unite in their support.

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The NRL's plan will form part of a whole-of-game approach.

Internal teams across the QRL, NSWRL and the RLPA have been formed to develop a plan to have the biggest possible impact.