Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Latrell Mitchell injury update concerns have grown at South Sydney Rabbitohs, with Wayne Bennett unsure when the star back will return before Sunday’s National Rugby League clash with Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium.

Mitchell has not played since round 11 because of a back injury that cost him a State of Origin place, before a calf issue in training last month delayed his comeback further.

For more National Rugby League transfer talk, read Mitchell Moses Wests Tigers Return Talk Builds After Jarome Luai Exit Call.

Bennett Waits On Mitchell Return

Campbell Graham will return from a calf strain against Newcastle Knights, while Cody Walker is due back next week against Canberra Raiders after serving a one-game ban for kicking Penrith Panthers player Jack Cogger.

Jack Wighton also returned last week, giving Bennett hope that his backline is close to settling.

“Latrell’s the only really missing link at the moment in the backs,” Bennett said on Saturday.

“Jack (Wighton) came back last week and was pretty good for us so hopefully we can settle down now and have a steady list of our good players on the paddock.

“It (Mitchell’s return date) keeps changing on me, I asked (the medical team) this morning and they didn’t give me the news I wanted to hear so it’s certainly going to be another couple of weeks.”

South Sydney Chase Timely Win

Bennett has moved Jye Gray to the bench and named Matt Dufty to start at fullback against Newcastle Knights.

South Sydney Rabbitohs enter the match at 8-7 and need a win to strengthen their top-eight push, while Bennett is also trying to end a five-game losing run against Newcastle Knights.

The day will carry extra meaning for Jai Arrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May and will be honoured as part of a birthday celebration.

“It’s a pretty special day for Jai, but we’ve also got a team of blokes here that want to play well and do well and seal the day for him,” Bennett said.

“I can’t speak highly enough of what people have done and we’re going to make his future and the future of his family a lot more secure.

“With so much doubt in it going forward, he’s never going to have to worry about where he’s going to get his next dollar from.”

Official match details and team news are available through the National Rugby League.