Australian rugby league star Josh Addo-Carr has opened up about his deep worry for long-time teammate and close friend Latrell Mitchell, as the injured center continues his prolonged battle to return to competitive play. Addo-Carr also revealed he holds out strong hope that the pair can rekindle their devastating on-field partnership at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup this October.
Mitchell, who plies his trade with South Sydney, has not featured in a match since Round 11 of the current NRL season, sidelined by persistent back and calf injuries that ultimately forced him to miss the entire 2024 State of Origin series. Two weeks ago, South Sydney confirmed Mitchell had consulted a specialist neurologist to address complex nerve damage, a frustrating injury that has kept him off the pitch for months. He is also set to miss this weekend’s Indigenous Round clash against Parramatta, leaving the rugby league community and his closest loved ones waiting anxiously for his recovery.
In a candid interview, Addo-Carr shared that he stays in regular contact with Mitchell to check on his progress. “I speak to him all the time,” the veteran winger said. “I rang him the other day and said ‘love you, brother’. You don’t wish injuries upon any player – everyone wants to play every week and train every day. But this is just how things are right now. I always make sure to check in, I know he’s doing everything he can to get back out there. He’s my brother, and I hope he returns very, very soon.”
The Australian national Kangaroos squad is also pinning its hopes on Mitchell regaining full fitness in time for the World Cup, which kicks off on October 15. The pair delivered a historic performance for Australia at the 2021 (held 2022) tournament, where Mitchell scored two tries in the final victory and Addo-Carr crossed for 12 tries across the opening four games on Australia’s way to lifting the world title. Their left-edge combination was widely regarded as unstoppable throughout that campaign.
For Addo-Carr, a spot in the 2024 World Cup squad remains within reach. The winger has notched six tries so far this NRL season – his lowest seasonal tally since his debut year – but remains in contention after a strong showing on last year’s Ashes tour. With key contenders Xavier Coates sidelined by an Achilles injury and Mark Nawaqanitawase switching codes to rugby, Addo-Carr has held multiple conversations with Kangaroos head coach Kevin Walters about his selection prospects.
“That would be mad if I got picked,” Addo-Carr said. “I’ve had a few phone calls with Kevvy, we check in all the time, we’ve got a really close connection. I’ve told him I definitely won’t let him down, so hopefully I get that call up. I’d love nothing more than to pull on that Kangaroos jersey again. When someone backs you, you don’t want to disappoint. He gave me an opportunity last year, and I won’t let him down this time.”
Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup camp, Addo-Carr called it the best representative camp of his career. “We played the hardest teams in the world, and we came out on top,” he said. “That Aussie camp, with the coaches and all the players, it’s such a fun environment. We work hard together during the week, and getting to play footy together is the best part. I absolutely love being there and representing the best country in the world.”
While Australia enters the tournament as defending champions and pre-tournament favorites, much of the pre-tournament hype has centered on a formidable New Zealand forward pack that many tip to challenge the Kangaroos’ crown. When asked about growing external hype around the Kiwis and doubt cast on Australia’s chances, Addo-Carr brushed off the chatter. “They can talk all they want,” he said. “We just stay humble, go about our business, that’s what Australians do. Hopefully I get the call up, and I won’t let Kevvy down, I won’t let our country down, and I won’t let my teammates down.”