Teammate Luke Keary says he would love Latrell Mitchell to stay and chase a third-straight NRL premiership with Sydney Roosters, stressing he remains popular with the players.
The Roosters recently pulled an upgraded contract offer of a reported $2.4 million over three years to Mitchell as he continues to explore his options.
The 22-year-old star has been linked with NRL rivals Wests Tigers, North Queensland, Canterbury and Gold Coast and was also reportedly shopped to Super League newcomers Toronto Wolfpack.
It comes as Wests Tigers captain Moses Mbye defended Mitchell's handling of his contract negotiations, urging him to take his time to consider his future irrespective of where it lies.
However, the speculation surrounding Mitchell's next contract is spiralling out of control with reports the Roosters could make him play for feeder side North Sydney in 2020 if he doesn't find another club.
But five-eighth Keary doesn't feel that way.
"One hundred per cent; I love him (Mitchell)," Keary told AAP at the Australian Open golf pro-am in Sydney on Wednesday.
"I've played next to him for the last four or five years and I'd love him to stay.
"He's one of the best players in the game and he's a good person.
"We all love him.
"He's produced for us over the last four or five years."
Keary, who himself faced a career-defining decision to leave South Sydney in 2016 after their 2014 premiership triumph, encouraged Mitchell to take time with his decision.
"A lot of different things play into that decision; it's big," Keary said.
"He's got a baby and he's got (another) baby on the way. He's got a family, his age, and what he wants to achieve in life.
"He'll be sitting there with his manager and his family, weighing it up.
"He has to come to the best decision for him and his family, whatever that is."
Mbye was the centre of unruly contract speculation surrounding his exit from Canterbury Bankstown, resulting in a mid-season transfer to Wests Tigers in 2018.
He echoed Keary's sentiment and encouraged Mitchell to take his time in making the best decision for his family.
"I think personally Latrell has been pretty harshly criticised,' Mbye said.
"He's young, I think people forget because he is such a good player and he's done so much in the game at such a young age.
"He's got a lot on his plate as well, he has a young family to look after and people don't put that into perspective.
"It's a tough gig at his age having children and trying to get the ball rolling and dealing with all these offers, and this amount of money.
"He's from very humble beginnings. It's a lot.
"If I was advising Latrell I would be telling him to look after your family and yourself. I think he's done a good job of handling the criticism, and good luck to him."
Australian Associated Press
