LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been dealt a massive blow as their finals hopes now hang in the balance.
Star player Latrell Mitchell may have played his last match of the NRL season after the club decided not to contest his charge for elbowing Newcastle forward Tyson Frizell.
This decision means that Mitchell will be missing from their squad for their crucial match against the Sydney Roosters in the final round of the regular season.
This clash has the potential to determine which team secures a spot in the top eight, making it a winner-takes-all showdown.
Mitchell's elbow on Frizell occurred during their 29-10 loss to the Knights last Sunday, resulting in him being sent to the sin-bin in the 79th minute.
Following the incident, Mitchell was charged with a grade-two dangerous contact offence.
If he had chosen to fight the charge and lost, he would have faced a two-week suspension.
However, the Rabbitohs made the decision to take an early guilty plea, which resulted in a one-match ban for Mitchell.
This absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Rabbitohs' chances of making it to the finals.
Mitchell's skills and contributions on the field have been crucial for the team throughout the season.
Losing him for such a crucial match against their fierce rivals, the Roosters, is a major setback for the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs now face an uphill battle as they fight to secure a spot in the top eight.
Their fate will be in their hands as they take on the Roosters in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
The outcome of this match will determine whether the Rabbitohs' season continues or comes to an end.
With Mitchell's absence, the Rabbitohs will need to rely on their remaining players to step up and deliver a performance worthy of securing a finals spot.