The World Class star nearly backflipped out of the Rugby League World Cup before friend helped him decide to play

A World Cup should always be about the best players coming together and competing for the game’s biggest trophy in the sport, but one of the world’s finest very nearly turned down the chance to play in the tournament.

That man was Latrell Mitchell who has been one of the best players to watch on the planet in the last few years.

He made his name at Sydney Roosters as a destructive centre scoring 65 tries in 95 appearances helping the Roosters to back-to-back titles.

However, an ambition to play fullback saw him move to South Sydney where he has continued to be a special player. Despite this he will be back at centre for Australia with Aussie skipper and his former Roosters teammate James Tedesco set for the fullback spot.

Nonetheless, Australia nearly had to do without the star play entirely with Mitchell struggling with leaving home after a difficult season.

9News revealed that he very nearly backflipped out of the squad struggling with wanting to be home.

He said: “I was just thinking about the kids and being back on the farm, I’ve had a pretty up and down, rollercoaster of a season, I was sort of contemplating it but when big Mal gave me a call I just knew it was something I wanted to be part of.”

The opportunity to be a part of something special ensured he joined the squad as did the presence of good friend Canterbury winger Josh Addo-Carr.

The two have a great friendship, and Addo-Carr is making Mitchell’s time in England easier.

On their friendship, Addo-Carr said: “We have a mad bond every time we’re together and we have a mad laugh and make everyone else laugh around us.”