LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL has made a call on when South Sydney Rabbitohs' star fullback Latrell Mitchell will serve his one-game suspension for an off-field incident involving a white substance.
Reports from Zero Tackle suggest that Mitchell will miss the opening game of the 2025 NRL season, under the watchful eye of coach Wayne Bennett in his second stint at the club.
Despite the Rabbitohs' efforts to have Mitchell's suspension served in their final match of the season against old rivals the Sydney Roosters, the NRL has rejected their plea.
This decision leaves Mitchell sidelined for the season opener, much to the disappointment of Rabbitohs fans.
In a bid to prove Mitchell's fitness to play in the final round, the Rabbitohs presented medical evidence from three experts to the NRL.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly confirmed the submission of this evidence, stating their sole focus was complying with the NRL's requests.
It seems Mitchell will have to bide his time and wait for Round 2 to make his mark in the upcoming NRL season.
The ruling is a tough blow for the Rabbitohs, but they will have to regroup and come back stronger in Mitchell's absence.