Latrell Mitchell, the standout player for South Sydney, is expected to make a return from a back injury in time for Origin I for New South Wales. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett shared that the game’s most in-form centre was nearly in tears due to the pain he experienced at half-time during a recent match.
Bennett also expressed his frustration with the NRL for revealing Mitchell’s injury before the club could officially announce it, stating, “They aren’t great at holding secrets.”
Mitchell was officially ruled out due to a back injury on Thursday, an announcement made by the NRL rather than Souths. This occurred when debutant Latrell Siegwalt was listed in the No. 23 jersey on the official team lists.
Bennett mentioned that Mitchell has received a cortisone injection and, while he will miss Saturday’s game against Cronulla, there is a slim chance he might return next week for the clash against the Dolphins during the Magic Round in Brisbane.
“He has a bulging disc in his back, and he probably shouldn’t be out for more than a couple of weeks – I don’t think he’s in doubt [for Origin I],” Bennett said on Friday. “He got some treatment for it and got a needle [on Thursday]. He’s reacted pretty well to it all. Hopefully we might have him back next week. If not, he’ll certainly be right for NSW; State of Origin is two and a half weeks away at least, so he’ll certainly be right by then.”
Mitchell delivered one of the season’s greatest tries when he charged over the top of Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga late in the game on Sunday, then reached out for the match-winner, only to be tackled by five Knights.
Bennett praised Mitchell’s bravery despite his condition at half-time. “He told me he was in a lot of pain, I asked him if he could carry on and he said he could,” Bennett said. “He got home and the following morning he could hardly walk. He’s been in a fair bit of pain most of the week. It was pretty brave. It probably didn’t help his situation this week. But we didn’t know at the time what it was. He was close to tears at half-time – he went back out and we all saw what he did.”
The potential inclusion of Mitchell is a significant boost for the Blues, who are currently dealing with several players being unavailable due to injuries and suspensions.
Bennett appeared visibly frustrated that the NRL had disclosed the news of Mitchell’s withdrawal. Souths needed the NRL’s permission to bring in Siegwalt from outside the original 22-man squad, and they were instructed to keep quiet until everything was confirmed, according to Bennett.
“The NRL aren’t great at holding secrets, and it wasn’t a secret either,” Bennett said. “I think it’s the club’s responsibility to nominate their players and when they’re in the team or out of the team. I don’t think it is an NRL decision. There’s nothing about integrity that was being questioned there. But surely the club’s got a right to tell their people, or get ourselves sorted out here before we’re inundated with phone calls and the rest that goes with it.”
“I had a staff member tell me the NRL said for us to not say anything at that time. That was fine, but then it was contrary to what happened. I think it’s the club’s prerogative to make that announcement – it’s such a big-name player as well.”
Due to Mitchell’s influence, bookmakers adjusted their odds, making Cronulla firm favourites. Siegwalt will make his debut, with his family traveling from Queensland for the special occasion.
“He’s a very good athlete, very highly skilled, he’s got his opportunity, and I’m pleased for him,” Bennett said. Siegwalt and halfback Ashton Ward, who is playing his first game of the season after overcoming an ankle injury, were engaged in a goal-kicking competition after training, “only for a couple of other no-hopers turning up and trying to convince me they could kick as well,” Bennett said with a smile.
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