LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will be without Latrell Mitchell for the final round clash against the Roosters as coach Kevin Walters faces a tough decision regarding his selection for the Ashes tour. Rabbitohs supporters had been hopeful for Mitchell's return in this significant matchup against the Roosters.
A victory for the Rabbitohs could enable the Dolphins to surpass the Roosters, potentially knocking their Sydney rivals out of the NRL finals. Given the high stakes of the match, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett would have preferred to have Mitchell available, especially since he hasn't played since round 23.
According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, Mitchell's ongoing issue with a pinched nerve in his back continues to be problematic, ruling him out for the upcoming Friday clash. This absence is a significant setback for the Rabbitohs and raises concerns about the number of games Mitchell is playing per season.
During his four seasons with the Roosters, Mitchell participated in 96 games at centre. However, his transition to the Rabbitohs involved a shift to fullback, where despite filling in at centre in 2025, he has had difficulties remaining on the field.
In the six seasons with South Sydney, Mitchell has only made 86 appearances. There are suggestions that a permanent switch back to centre might help prolong his career. While Mitchell is undeniably dynamic at the back for the Rabbitohs, fullback Jye Gray has shown impressive performance while wearing the No.1 jersey this season, possibly making him a better fit for the team.
Opinions are divided, with some advocating for Mitchell to stay at centre to increase his playing time and improve his long-term fitness. Manly Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic briefly shifted to centre to enhance his game before returning to fullback.
Last month, Penrith legend Greg Alexander suggested that if playing at centre allows Mitchell to make more appearances throughout the season, it could be beneficial for his future. This arrangement might mean that Gray keeps the fullback position after an outstanding season, allowing Mitchell to concentrate on offensive plays.