South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell knows that by “talking a big game” he is putting a target on his back, but he doesn’t care - and wishes more NRL players would display their personalities.

In the eight weeks since Mitchell returned from injury, the powerhouse No.1 has become almost as big a presence off the field as on it.

He declared himself the rightful owner of the NSW No. 3 jersey after he terrorised Canterbury and Matt Burton, warned opposition teams to “look over your shoulder”, then responded with the “Ferrari in the garage” social media post after reports emerged last week he had to finish training early due to a groin injury.

Mitchell said he had always spoken his mind, and a recent trip to the US where he worked with reconditioning guru Bill Knowles also exposed him to how American athletes interacted with the media.

“I’ve been having fun, that’s always been me, I’ve just been perceived as someone else,” Mitchell told the Herald, as he conducted no fewer than a dozen interviews in the stands at Redfern Oval on Monday. “I’ve done it all my life, I’ve talked a big game but always backed it up.

“I think a lot more players need to be outspoken and confident in themselves, and understand the power you have in this game.

When asked if he was concerned his comments may heap more pressure on himself, Mitchell said: “I like it. I tell everyone that. That’s why people hate it in the media, and that’s why I get bagged on social media. They don’t like the confident person I am.

“You have to call out a few teams here and there. It’s about banter. In the US they are funny, and I took a lot out of the way they talk. They know the power they have. We need to start understanding that.