Early Arrow release Souths' priority as Mitchell clears one more contract hurdle

Latrell Mitchell's latest management switch removes another hurdle in the star centre's drawn out contract saga but South Sydney's first roster priority is still securing an early release for Titans star Jai Arrow.

Talk of Mitchell linking with the Rabbitohs has steadily gathered momentum during the past month, with South Sydney open to bringing the 22-year-old to Redfern pending their salary cap situation.

The club officially announced their prize signing of Queensland Origin star Arrow on Monday on a four-year deal from 2021, but NRL.com understands the Rabbitohs remain hopeful of landing their replacement for Sam Burgess in time for the 2020 season.

To date the Titans have been emphatic in refusing to entertain releasing Arrow early, while the 24-year-old said he is "fully focused on delivering a successful season for Titans members and fans in 2020" in his Gold Coast exit statement.

Should the Rabbitohs secure Arrow for next season it would significantly lower any potential offer for Mitchell.

He remains in his home town Taree ahead of an expected management move on Tuesday which will provide clarity to the messy contract saga that has dogged the Kangaroos Test centre for the past six months.

Mitchell is poised to be granted a release from his current agent Wayde Rushton  which will see him link with rival manager Matt Rose, the brother of former Manly premiership-winner George.

Rose already acts on behalf of recently re-signed Souths star Cody Walker, who has a strong bond with Mitchell, as well as fellow NSW Origin rep Jack Wighton.

The Roosters released a statement on Sunday night declaring Mitchell had been granted "a leave of absence, excusing him from all training commitments" ahead of his teammates' return from Christmas break.

The decision meant the club avoided a media circus descending on its Moore Park training base on Monday, and NRL.com understands that Mitchell asked club officials to be excused as he looks to bring his future to a head.

Up until Saturday the Roosters were preparing for Mitchell to return to training as planned, despite the 22-year-old being little chance of seeing out the final year if his deal in 2020.

Mitchell had previously fielded a lucrative four-year offer from Wests Tigers worth the best part of $1 million a season, but that deal was taken off the table in late November.