Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Latrell Mitchell remains sidelined ahead of South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Round 21 meeting with Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on Friday, while Wayne Bennett has rejected calls for injury-based clauses in the star’s next contract.
The 29-year-old has not played since Round 9 because of back and calf injuries, with related nerve damage prompting consultations with a neurologist. South Sydney Rabbitohs have gone 4-5 without him and sit seventh.
The debate reflects the higher accountability now applied across rugby league, including recent discussion about how NRLW scrutiny reflects rising standards across the competition.
Return Date Remains Unclear
“We don’t know that (if he will play again this season). It’s a week-by-week proposition. He’s back out running now so that’s good. We’ll see where it goes,” Wayne Bennett said.
South Sydney Rabbitohs left Latrell Mitchell out of their official Round 21 squad for the Melbourne Storm clash.
Latrell Mitchell has played 95 games for South Sydney Rabbitohs since joining from Sydney Roosters in 2020. He played 96 matches across four seasons for Sydney Roosters and won two premierships.
Bennett Rejects Contract Clauses
When asked whether Latrell Mitchell’s next deal could link his pay to availability, Wayne Bennett offered a blunt response.
“It’s a terrible idea. Not interested in it.
“It’s just a bit of misfortune that creates that problem. It’s not because him or Tom don’t do all the work or all the training.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs have beaten Melbourne Storm only eight times, while Craig Bellamy has defeated Wayne Bennett in 33 of their 43 coaching meetings.