Latrell Mitchell has fired back at James Tedesco's criticism of his post-tackle treatment of Toby Rodwell, taking a pointed swipe at the Sydney Roosters' decision to rest a host of stars from last week's NRL grudge match.
Mitchell produced one of the hits of the season when he rushed out of the defensive line and folded Rodwell during South Sydney's 50-20 victory at Allianz Stadium.
Replays showed Mitchell's shoulder had made clean contact with Rodwell's chest, but his decision to stand over the 20-year-old afterwards drew criticism from Tedesco.
"It was fair play from Trell, the hit he put on - but I'm not sure about standing over him after," Tedesco told the media, noting Rodwell was playing just his second NRL game.
Tedesco was among a host of senior Roosters rested by coach Trent Robinson ahead of the finals, although the Sydney captain had publicly expressed his desire to play in the rivalry clash.
Asked on Tuesday whether Tedesco's comments had upset him, Mitchell initially laughed off the suggestion.
But when it was put to him that the Roosters captain believed he should not have stood over Rodwell, Mitchell aimed a sharp retort at the club's decision to field an understrength side.
"They shouldn't have rested either, but they did," Mitchell said.
"He's got my number, if he's got a problem [he can] ring me."
Mitchell did not get an opportunity to speak with Rodwell after the match but wished the young playmaker well before joking that the collision had served as his introduction to the brutality of first grade.
"I didn't get to him at the end, but I do wish him all the best," Mitchell said.
"That's just the welcome-to-first-grade sort of thing. It is what it is, and you move on."
The emphatic tackle was also the clearest indication yet that Mitchell has regained confidence in his body after a lengthy injury absence threatened to end his season.
Mitchell returned from the interchange against the Gold Coast in Round 26 before playing the full 80 minutes and scoring a try against the Roosters.
The Rabbitohs superstar revealed there were periods during his rehabilitation when he doubted whether he would make it back onto the field this year.
"To be fair, I didn't really know if I was going to play again this year," Mitchell said.
"I was chomping at the bit to get back and be out there for my teammates, especially Wayne too.
"Obviously, he's getting on now, so I want to make sure I can get back and do him proud."