Fan Outrage Over Latrell Mitchell’s Unpunished Incident
Fans of the National Rugby League (NRL) are expressing frustration over an incident involving South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell during a recent match against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The game, which ended in a 32-24 victory for the Rabbitohs on Good Friday, was overshadowed by concerns about the lack of consequences for Mitchell following a questionable hit on Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey.
The match saw a dramatic second-half comeback from the Rabbitohs, who managed to secure their win despite several injury setbacks for both teams. Among the most concerning injuries was that of Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who appeared to be the worst affected.
Alex Johnston made history by extending his all-time try-scoring record after intercepting a pass from Tracey and sprinting 90 metres to open the scoring in front of nearly 50,000 fans at Accor Stadium. The Bulldogs responded with a try from Marcelo Montoya, but it was Mitchell who scored the next two tries for the Rabbitohs, including one after capitalising on a grubber kick from Cody Walker.
However, the first half ended with the Bulldogs leading 18-12 thanks to tries from Lachie Galvin and Sitili Tupouniua. The momentum shifted dramatically when Crichton suffered a shoulder injury, forcing a reshuffle in the Bulldogs’ backline. Coach Cameron Ciraldo replaced Crichton with halfback Sean O’Sullivan and moved Matt Burton to centre, while Lachlan took on the No.6 role.
Despite the changes, the Bulldogs struggled without their key captain, and the Rabbitohs took full advantage. Souths skipper Cameron Murray scored his first try since 2024, followed by a try from Tallis Duncan that put the Bunnies in the lead. Mitchell sealed the result with a spectacular try, showcasing his skill and composure.
Controversial Incident Sparks Debate
Mitchell’s actions in the final seven minutes of the game drew significant criticism from fans. While the Rabbitohs were leading 32-18, he delivered an unnecessary hit on Tracey. The incident occurred after Mitchell attempted to kick a grubber for himself, and Tracey was willing to shepherd the ball over the dead-ball line. In a desperate attempt to reach the ball, Mitchell collided with Tracey from behind.
This led to heated exchanges between Mitchell and teammate Matt Burton. However, to the surprise of many, Mitchell faced no disciplinary action, and the Bulldogs were awarded a 20-metre set restart.
Tracey managed to score a consolation try for the Bulldogs moments later, but the team’s second consecutive loss was further compounded by concerns over Crichton’s injury. Bulldogs coach Ciraldo expressed uncertainty about the severity of the injury, suggesting it could be a high-grade AC injury that would keep Crichton out for an extended period.
Crichton is set to undergo scans to determine the full extent of his shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs also faced their own injury challenges, with prop Keaon Koloamatangi suffering what coach Wayne Bennett described as a medial ligament injury. Despite the pain, Koloamatangi played on with a heavily strapped knee and showed determination to face the Canberra Raiders in Perth next week.
Bunnies fullback Jye Gray also left the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) after taking a brutal hit in the final 10 minutes. Although he was ruled out of the rest of the match, Bennett confirmed that Gray passed his HIA test and will be fit to play against the Raiders next Saturday.
