LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
South Sydney are gearing up for a legal battle as they fight to overturn Latrell Mitchell's ban, with the NRL rejecting the club's medical evidence.
The Rabbitohs are playing hardball, seeking advice on the timing of Mitchell's suspension and questioning the league's authority to impose an independent fitness test.
The deadlock between the team and the NRL persists as South Sydney enters their final game of the season.
Coach Ben Hornby admitted on Thursday that he is uncertain about the outcome of the dispute, as the club stands firm in their quest for Mitchell to face consequences for tarnishing the game's reputation this year.
Mitchell incurred hefty fines totaling $120,000 from both the Rabbitohs and the league after a controversial photo surfaced showing him with a suspicious white substance.
Initially, Souths hoped Mitchell would serve his one-game ban immediately, but his recovery from a foot injury has complicated matters.
Hornby had previously ruled Mitchell out for the remainder of the season, but the star player has since returned to light training.
While Mitchell was spotted on an exercise bike during a recent session, he did not participate in the team's captain's run on Thursday.
Despite his suspension, skipper Cameron Murray joined the training session, alongside injured players Campbell Graham, Alex Johnston, and Jai Arrow.
Mitchell made a brief appearance at the end of the session, hinting at a potential comeback.
The Rabbitohs are determined to fight for their player, bringing their legal firepower into the fray as they rally behind Mitchell during this tumultuous time.