LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a classic game of Rugby League cat and mouse, NRL honcho Andrew Abdo has fired back in the face of criticism surrounding the timing of Latrell Mitchell's suspension.
Souths are under fire for their attempt to have the star fullback sit out his ban in the final round of the season, a move that has ruffled feathers across the league.
Amidst the backlash over Mitchell's one-game ban, Abdo has refuted claims of any 'loophole' that the Rabbitohs may be trying to exploit.
It's been a rough time for Souths, who have come under fire for releasing paperwork proving Mitchell's fitness in a bid to have him serve his suspension against the Roosters in round 27, rather than kicking off the next season with a ban.
Despite initial murmurs from interim coach Ben Hornby suggesting Mitchell would be sidelined for the year, the fullback has only just returned to training this week.
Mitchell found himself in hot water, copping a one-game ban and a hefty $20,000 fine from the NRL following a leaked photo scandal that brought the game into disrepute.
The Rabbitohs also handed down a $100,000 fine to the player, with $80,000 of it hanging over his head.
To hit the field against the Roosters, Mitchell must pass muster with the Rabbitohs' medical team and prove his readiness for selection.
The club has brought in three separate doctors to testify that Mitchell, who has been out of action since injuring his foot in round 18, is fit to take on their rivals on Friday night.
Abdo has labeled the situation as "unique," but assures that Souths are not playing any games with the system.
Presenting the Melbourne Storm with the JJ Giltinan Shield as minor premiers, the NRL boss emphasized that discussions are ongoing with the club, but Mitchell has not been given the green light to serve his ban just yet.