Why Anthony Mundine is happy to help Latrell Mitchell despite their recent rift – as Rabbitohs star is investigated by NRL integrity unit

They disagreed over the Ezra Mam and Spencer Leniu Las Vegas racism scandal in March, but that hasn’t stopped Anthony Mundine from speaking out in support of embattled star Latrell Mitchell.

A widely circulated photo showing the Rabbitohs fullback has been passed to the NRL’s integrity unit.

In the image, it appears that the native ambassador is standing over a table on which a white substance lies.

Daily Mail Australia does not claim the white substance is an illegal drug.

The photo was reportedly taken last weekend when Mitchell was conducting a series of football training sessions in Dubbo in central-west New South Wales.

“It is unfortunate that there are such accusations,” Mundine said News Corp.

“If he needs help, I’m here for him. I wish my brother nothing but love.”

The pair were at odds following the Mam-Leniu incident, with the former boxing champion and star of the competition stating the Roosters enforcer’s offensive comment was “not racist”.

They’ve had disagreements over the Ezra Mam and Spencer Leniu racism scandal, but that hasn’t stopped Anthony Mundine from lending his support to embattled star Latrell Mitchell.

A photo circulating widely on social media showing the Rabbitohs fullback (pictured) has been passed to the NRL’s integrity unit

Mundine then told Mitchell that he had ‘underperformed’ in his NRL career so far.

Mundine claimed in a video on social media that there was no racism on the field in Sin City because Mam is of Torres Strait Islander descent and Leniu is Samoan.

That prompted a quick response from Mitchell, who supported the Broncos youngster.

This is what our people [Indigenous] “What you need to do and what you need to keep doing. Be quiet and follow the rules,” Mitchell said in an Instagram post referencing Mundine’s video.

‘Anyone who has seen this story and has any sense of culture knows that this is not the same.

‘Total nonsense. I don’t agree with this and if you do, try harder.’

Eventually the two called a truce, with Mitchell “the great [racial] ‘The debate will have to rest for the time being’.

Mitchell, 27, has been sidelined in recent weeks due to a foot injury he sustained against Parramatta on July 4.

Mitchell is out with a foot injury he sustained against Parramatta on July 4 – and is not expected to play again this season

The club are still unsure whether he will be able to return to the field this year, despite doctors deciding he will not need season-ending surgery.

It has been a difficult season for Mitchell and South Sydney as the club has struggled for consistency, while the dynamic No.1 has himself struggled with injuries and poor form.

In June he spoke about how close he had come to retiring and moving to his farm in Taree on the New South Wales north coast, saying the constant criticism of his play on the field and life off it had taken its toll.

“I feel like a lot of people hate me and they don’t know me,” he said.

“A lot of people make me out to be the bad guy all the time… these short bursts of anger, that’s not me. That’s what builds up over time with people constantly coming at me.”

Mitchell responded to criticism from media experts by publishing a six-word message.

“If the media would just shut up and let me play,” he said. “Honestly, if you guys would shut up and let me play, there wouldn’t be anything controversial.”

Mitchell was suspended for a foul shot on Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson. The team endured a dismal start to the season, with coach Jason Demetriou being fired in April.

He missed the State of Origin season opener but made headlines when he returned to the Blues for the second game at the MCG and played a starring role in a huge win over Queensland.

Injury prevented him from playing in the deciding match, which the Blues won at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.