Latrell Mitchell is the face of the NRL and an inspiration to countless people across the country - but the competition is entering dangerous territory if fans continue to 'lay the boot into' the South Sydney superstar.
That's according to former teammate Luke Keary, who has urged supporters to rally behind the 25-year-old after he was racially abused in the side's Round 2 loss to Penrith.
Latrell was called a 'black dog' by a teenage spectator at BlueBet Stadium, with reports following the incident revealing the person involved was wearing a Roosters jersey.
Trent Robinson apologised to the NSW and Kangaroos star on behalf of the Roosters last week, but with the two enemy clubs set to clash on Friday night, there is a fear that Latrell could be the victim of unnecessary booing.
MORE: NRL Round 2 predicted team lists | League greats question Kalyn Ponga call
The fullback left the Tricolours at the end of 2019 to link up with their cross-town rivals, and further ignited the fuse by breaking Joseph Manu's cheekbone in 2021.
Latrell was given his fair share of negative feedback when the two sides met last year, but Keary is hoping the Roosters fans give him a reprieve in Round 3.
“We don’t want to see that in our game, Robbo was pretty clear about it last week," he said.
"This is a tough period for Trell, he has been a part of our family here and we all do love him – hopefully the game gets around him.
"He is obviously going through a tough period and you don’t want to see our Roosters fans or any other fans in the game get out and constantly lay the boot into him, especially in this situation."
AFL legend Adam Goodes was infamously berated and abused by supporters, forcing him step away from the game prematurely and shine a spotlight on the issues that still exist in sport and Australia as a whole.
"It’s not just about Latrell, it’s about the whole community and what it stands for," he said.
"If we stand for that, we’re just as bad…it’s about us all standing up together and calling it out. It’s not just about Latrell Mitchell, it’s every person out there that has been discriminated against.
"Good on Latrell for standing up for what he believes in and we all believe in that too – he’s a big role model for his culture and his people and I think he’s really strong in that stance.
"People need to think before they say things and that young kid will learn from that…hopefully it will be a great lesson for everyone in the stands.
“I think we just want to celebrate the game and celebrate athletes. Obviously Latrell has played for the Roosters and there’s a bit of feeling there for them, but I don’t think he is too bothered about the boos.
"He did win them two comps – I think it’s more a reflection on them than him. It’s part of the game, I was at the boxing yesterday and there were plenty of people booing [Tony] Harrison but I’m sure he wasn’t too worried about it.
"It’s part of the game, but be respectful and I think everyone will be happy."