LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Wayne Bennett is facing criticism for his harsh decision to drop Lewis Dodd. This comes amid new insights suggesting that Latrell Mitchell could make an earlier-than-anticipated return to the field. Mitchell has missed the last five weeks due to a quad injury and was not expected back until at least Round 23.
However, he has been named on the extended bench for the Rabbitohs' upcoming match against the Titans in Round 22, wearing jersey 22. His return would significantly enhance Bennett's efforts to avoid his first-ever wooden spoon.
As it stands, Souths are tied on points with the Titans (16) after winning only six out of 20 games this season. Their inferior points differential places them last on the ladder. A defeat against the Gold Coast this Sunday would be a devastating blow for Bennett, who has never faced the prospect of receiving the wooden spoon in his extensive coaching career.
If Mitchell does play, it may result in Jye Gray shifting to the halves from fullback, or Mitchell being deployed in the centers to take Tallis Duncan's place. Duncan, originally a back-rower, has had to step into the outside backs due to the Rabbitohs' insane injury crisis.
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Despite the team suffering from numerous player absences, Bennett has opted against including Dodd, a $600,000-per-season recruit who started as halfback last week but couldn't prevent a heavy 60-14 loss to the Broncos. Following this record defeat, the coach has opted for Jamie Humphreys and Ashton Ward in the halves. All season long, Bennett has shown reluctance to select Dodd, who was signed by former coach Jason Demetriou last year.