LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Michael Ennis and Warren Smith assert that Jye Gray must remain the Rabbitohs' starting fullback over Latrell Mitchell, not just for the remainder of this season but into 2026 as well. Gray showcased his talent on Thursday night as Souths defeated the Dragons 40-0.
The agile fullback achieved an impressive 353 running metres from 31 carries, scoring a try and breaking three tackles. He was just 17 metres short of the all-time record for most run metres in a single game, which stands at 370 and was set by Joey Manu last season.
During the 2025 season, the Rabbitohs have triumphed in seven of the 14 matches where Gray has played as fullback. In contrast, with Mitchell in the No.1 jersey, the team has recorded only 2 wins and 5 losses this year, though many of those matches were against stronger opposition.
Mitchell has struggled with injuries, missing five weeks due to a quad issue between Rounds 18 and 22. Upon his return against the Titans in Round 23, he played at left centre, but his comeback was short-lived, as he has since missed two more matches due to a pinched nerve in his back.
So far this season, he has participated in only 11 of 23 possible games. In comparison, Gray has displayed greater durability, playing 17 games across various positions, including fullback, five-eighth, and off the bench.
The Rabbitohs will have a bye in Round 26, followed by a match against the Roosters in the final round of the regular season. Coach Wayne Bennett is optimistic that Mitchell will return for one last appearance before the season concludes, but he faces a challenging decision regarding Mitchell's position on the field.
During Thursday night's commentary, Ennis and Smith emphasized that Bennett cannot shift Gray from his current position. "If Latrell does return, surely he stays at left centre where he was a couple of weeks ago," stated Smith.