Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020.
Wayne Bennett has criticised the NRL after news of Latrell Mitchell being ruled out against the Cronulla Sharks became public before the South Sydney Rabbitohs could officially announce it themselves. The Souths star suffered a bulging disc during last week’s clash with Newcastle and battled through heavy pain, but was eventually withdrawn ahead of Round 10. Bennett said the situation left the club frustrated as journalists began calling before South Sydney had prepared its own update, adding another layer of drama before a key match.
Bennett frustrated by timing of injury news
The Rabbitohs coach did not hide his disappointment when speaking to reporters on Friday. Bennett made it clear he believed clubs should control announcements regarding player availability, especially involving a player as high-profile as Mitchell.
“The NRL aren’t great at holding secrets. It wasn’t a secret either, but I think it’s the responsibility of the club to nominate their players and whether they’re in or out of the team. I don’t think it’s an NRL decision,” Bennett said.
South Sydney had reportedly planned to release its own statement once internal discussions were complete. Instead, the news surfaced through NRL.com first, catching the club off guard.
The veteran coach also pushed back strongly against suggestions the league released the information to protect betting integrity.
“There was nothing about integrity that’s been questioned there, I can tell you now.”
“Surely the club has a right to tell their people or get ourselves sorted out before we’re inundated with phone calls.”
Bennett appeared visibly annoyed during the press conference, particularly when discussing how staff had allegedly been advised not to release information immediately.
Latrell Mitchell facing short-term absence
Mitchell’s absence is a major blow for the Rabbitohs heading into their meeting with Cronulla. The South Sydney fullback and centre has been one of the side’s most important attacking weapons, often lifting the team during momentum swings and energising the crowd with powerful carries and quick offloads.
Despite the concern, Bennett believes the injury should not affect Mitchell’s State of Origin availability later this month.
“He shouldn’t be out for (Game 1). It’s two and a half weeks away so he’ll certainly be right by then.”
South Sydney supporters will still be nervous after hearing Bennett admit Mitchell had been struggling with pain throughout the week. The Rabbitohs medical staff will continue monitoring his recovery before next weekend’s Magic Round fixture against the Dolphins.
Rabbitohs now face pressure against Sharks
Without Mitchell, the Rabbitohs head into Round 10 under pressure against a Sharks side chasing consistency. South Sydney fans were already anxious after watching their star limp through moments against Newcastle last week, and the reaction online intensified once reports confirmed he would miss Friday’s clash.
The timing also matters for New South Wales ahead of the upcoming State of Origin series. Mitchell remains one of the Blues’ biggest game-breakers, and any injury concern immediately becomes a talking point across the rugby league world.