Latrell Mitchell has taken a swipe at former NSW teammate James Maloney after he hammered the South Sydney Rabbitohs centre for his self-imposed media ban.

Mitchell, 28, has not spoken to the media in 18 months, after he was criticised for his display in an expletive-filled post-match interview in 2024.

The decision has raised the eyebrows of many, with footy great Maloney now slamming Mitchell for it continuing for this long. 

‘We all (footballers) understand we get paid decent money, and it all comes through TV rights and that comes with an expectation that you need to do media,’ Maloney told news.com.au.

‘I can understand where ‘Trell comes from as he has been hung out to dry for things he did and said but he needs to also understand that it is what runs our game and brings the pay cheque in.

Mitchell has since responded to Maloney’s comments, with an Instagram story captioned ‘Talk when I’m ready James’.

Latrell Mitchell (pictured) has clapped back at James Maloney over his criticism

Mitchell (pictured) has taken aim at Maloney after his scathing comments

Maloney (pictured as the former North Queensland Cowboys assistant coach) played alongside Mitchell for NSW

Maloney has joined Josh Morris in condemning the footy star’s decision to not speak to the media at all.

‘It’s absolutely ridiculous,’ Morris told 2GB last week.

‘In an age where we have social media and more access than ever to the players, record viewership and all that.

‘It’s part of your contract that you have to speak to the media. I don’t know how he gets away with it. 

‘It’s almost like saying ‘I’m bigger than the game’. I don’t understand it,’ Morris continued.

‘Even a press conference or interview once a month. But 18 months, that’s taking the mickey.’

Mitchell has made very few media appearances since his ban.

His speech, after being awarded the Spirit of the Anzac Medal for his performance in the Rabbitohs win against the Storm, was one of the only occasions he has spoken publicly.