Roosters match-winner Latrell Mitchell has often been compared with recently retired superstar Greg Inglis, but the electrifying centre wants to make his own mark in the game.
Mitchell was the hero for the Roosters on Friday night, kicking the winning field goal in extra-time to clinch a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Storm in the grand final re-match in Melbourne.
But it's his blistering pace and giant fend that has drawn comparisons with Inglis and those devastating traits were on display against the Storm, as the Roosters won their fifth match in succession.
But Mitchell remains steadfast in his plan to forge his own path in rugby league and leave the comparisons to Inglis behind as he continues to grow in stature with each impressive performance.
"The comparison is very humbling, and I’ve grown up always having that comparison since I was a junior," Mitchell said.
"The hype has always been there, and I’ve tried to live up to it, but I want to play my own game and I have."
Match Highlights: Storm v Roosters
Mitchell lived out his boyhood dream when he slotted the winning field goal against the Storm and the 21-year-old was beaming after the match as he reflected on the winning play.
It was the first time Mitchell had kicked a match-winner in the NRL and just the second occasion the youngster had done so since he started playing the game.
"I kicked one when I was a junior, but that’s the second game-winner in my life," he said.
"My mindset was that I’m there to take the shot if Cooper (Cronk) wants me to and the ball came straight to me.
Mitchell field goal wins it for Roosters in golden-point
"I practice a lot at training and ones just mucking around. I’ve always dreamt of kicking a field goal to win and I got my opportunity."
Roosters coach Trent Robinson had nothing but praise for Mitchell and his performance against the Storm and admitted he was often in awe from watching the youngster at work.
"I get to watch him at training and in the games," Robinson said.
"His ability to express himself and have time is something to behold.
"To see that (performance) in the first half and then do that in the second in the 82nd minute. That’s Latrell."
