Anthony Minichiello has lobbed a a subtle dig across Anzac Parade at South Sydney, telling Latrell Mitchell he should stick with Sydney Roosters if wants to enjoy a winning culture for the rest of his NRL career.
Superstar centre Mitchell has found himself at the centre of contract speculation over the past few weeks, fuelled by reports the Roosters are worried South Sydney will make a play for his services when he comes off contract at the end of 2020.
While he still has 18 months left to run on his contract, clubs can negotiate with him for 2021 - though no contract can be registered until November 1 this year.
Mitchell last re-signed with the club in early 2018 and is reportedly set to earn $550,000 next year, a fraction of what he could get on the open market.
Minichiello, the Roosters' most capped player, said money shouldn't be the only thing Mitchell weighs up.
In a sly pot shot at the Roosters' rivals, he said the club were perpetual premiership contenders and Bondi Junction was the best place to get the most out of himself.
"When you play for the Roosters, we set ourselves high standards and have a strong, winning culture," Minichiello said.
"For me, it wasn't always about the money, but being in a winning team, trying to challenge for a premiership each year, that's what the Roosters are all about.
"Other clubs will probably try to pay Latrell more money to pull him away. But he's got to think about whether he wants to stay in a good environment and challenge himself to be the best player he can be.
"If he wants to, the Roosters are where it's at."
After booting the winning field goal in a golden point thriller over Melbourne and scoring three tries and setting up another two against the Wests Tigers, Mitchell is being hailed as potentially the best player in the game.
"He can be if he applies his attitude," Minichiello said.
"Anyone that has been the best player in the game at any stage - Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, (Andrew) Johns, (Brad) Fittler - they have a great work ethic to do it year after year.
"He's got the ability to do that but he's still young, he's still learning."
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