“I just want to see him succeed, do his best and achieve his goals.

“I can’t really explain the feeling, I’ve always played with him. I know when he’s going to to pass, when he’s going to do what he’s going to do.

“He knows the same about me. I’d be so happy to have him in my team and to play alongside him again; it would be something special.”

Shaquai is the bigger brother in every sense. A year older than Latrell at 22, the elder sibling casts a giant shadow as a prop who tipped the scales at 150kg this year while playing for feeder team Wyong Roos.

Anthony Barnes, who has coached Shaquai in the Roosters lower grades, has described him as “more talented than Latrell”. The only thing that has held Shaquai back is the battle with his weight, one that he is now winning. His reward is a promotion into the premiers’ top 30 list, raising his chances of fulfilling his potential alongside Latrell.

“I’d love to see him there reaping the rewards he deserves,” Latrell said.

“Time will tell. At one stage [he nearly gave the game away], but everything happens for a reason.”

There is plenty of football talent running through the Mitchell family. Latrell’s father, Matt, also appeared destined to become a star but struggled adapting to Sydney life after shifting from Taree. His three sons played spirited games in the backyard, although Latrell – the middle brother – claims he dominated despite giving up a size advantage to Shaquai.

“He’s a unit,” Latrell quipped while attending the National Dreamtime Awards at The Star on Friday night.

The NSW and Australian centre has spent much of his off-season in Taree, where he has had a chance to reflect on an incredible season. For all the highlights – including representing his state and country – there is a clear standout.

“The comp, winning that takes the cake,” he said.

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“Obviously we all strive to do it, it’s one of the goals of rugby league as soon as you play, to win the comp in the NRL.

“I got a chance to do it in my third year in, so I’m very grateful.

“I’ve sort of been pinching myself over the last couple of weeks. Everything happens for a reason and I’ve sort of made it happen myself.”