08/01/2009 10:00 AM
Western Force and Wallabies star Drew Mitchell is playing a straight bat regarding the Force's coaching saga as he prepares for a big 2009 Super 14 campaign.
Mitchell returned to training after a break that saw him out of contact due to phone issues for some time. In speaking to the media, he revealed plenty of disinterest in the whole situation and wants to focus solely on issues related to on the field.
"Once we cross that white line to train that's all we focus on and I'm sure the people that have to deal with it, will. We just have to make sure we deal with the football," Mitchell said.
"This is my second morning and I haven't noticed much difference. We've had a meeting, discussed football and that stuff can only be a distraction if you allow it. I've been on holidays for quite a while so I haven't been in contact with anyone."
Mitchell has spoken with his coach John Mitchell this week for the first time in a while, and is supporting him to remain in charge.
"I've had a chat to John and all the coaches about where we are heading, and everyone is really positive about progressing on what we achieved last year," he said.
"We support everyone here and we are buying into the same thing. We want to make sure all this that we are being asked is a distraction on the outside and on the field nobody talks about it. It's really not a distraction for us."
"At the moment, I don't think there's anything wrong. We know what we are doing in training, everything is running smoothly and we are achieving what we want to."
Mitchell is also pleased Wallabies team-mate Matt Giteau has elected to remain on board for 2009 with the Force.
"He's a great friend and not only that but a great player and guy to have around the club. It's a big positive to have him, he's world class and having him on board is a massive plus," he said.