Latrell Mitchell is a better fullback than James Tedesco.<\/p>\n
That's the word from South Sydney hooker Damien Cook who is in no doubt who he'd rather line-up alongside when the Rabbitohs and Roosters clash on Friday.<\/p>\n
"Latrell Mitchell, easy," Cook answered when asked who was the better No.1.<\/p>\n
While Cook's assessment may be influenced to some degree by the theatre of the cross-town rivalry, it's still a big snub for his NSW Blues teammate nonetheless.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mitchell played no part in the last iteration of the historic rivalry.<\/p>\n
Sidelined with injury at the time, Mitchell watched on as the Rabbitohs piled on 60-points to decimate the Roosters in a historic win in the final round of the regular season last year.<\/p>\n
His return will mark a feisty fullback battle with Tedesco, as Mitchell sets out to prove to his former club he has what it takes to own the No.1 jersey.<\/p>\n
And Cook was adamant that the addition of Mitchell to the Rabbitohs' spine has had a huge impact the likes not seen since club greats Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess once commanded the field.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"He's our go-to," Cook said. "With him on the field, we know we're a chance of winning every game.<\/p>\n
"That's the same feeling I used to get with Greg (Inglis) and Sam (Burgess), running out alongside them.<\/p>\n
"He's grown as a player, massively over the last 12 months. I think he's well in control of his emotions and just knows the footy he's been playing lately will do the talking for him."<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"