Two huge rugby league stars face court as one left fearing for his life

As the rugby league year winds down and we reflect on the success of clubs like Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards and the Penrith Panthers and even the internationals come to a close, two of the sport’s biggest stars now face court.

The duo are soon to be South Sydney Rabbitohs teammates Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton who have of course played alongside one another for Australia and New South Wales in the past.

Both men are charged with failing to comply with an exclusion direction and fighting in a public place, while Mitchell is additionally charged with resisting a territory public official.

Jack Wighton allegedly said “lock me up” at the time which Mitchell has reportedly said that he feared for his life.

The two now face court this week over the incident but fortunately it all lands in the off season which should protect South Sydney’s preparations for the new NRL season.

Mitchell’s defence will reportedly centre around alleged heavy-handed police conduct, the star South Sydney fullback having told police while being arrested: “I’ve done nothing wrong but be a black fella in Australia”.

A lawyer for Wighton said Mitchell had been “reduced to a weeping mess” and “worrying he might die”.

“Mr Wighton heard all of it, saw all of it … it was confronting to see … he’s accused of not turning his back on his cousin and walking into the night,” Wighton’s lawyer told the court.

According to Channel Nine news: “The pair sat next to each other in court and were very friendly with one another. They were all smiles when confronted by a media pack when they arrived at the building on Monday morning.

“The hearing is scheduled for three days. The duo, who are distant cousins and close friends, have previously played together for both NSW and Australia, but will be club teammates for the first time next year after Wighton signed with South Sydney in April.”