Latrell Mitchell Cleared to Play Round 1 After NRL Ruling

Latrell Mitchell Cleared to Play Round 1 After NRL Ruling

In a decision welcomed by South Sydney fans, Latrell Mitchell will be available for the team's round-one clash against the Dolphins. The NRL ruled that both Mitchell and Parramatta's Josh Addo-Carr could use their participation in the All Stars clash on February 15 to serve their respective suspensions.

Mitchell received a one-match ban after a photo surfaced of him standing above a white substance in a Dubbo hotel room, an action deemed to have brought the game into disrepute. Addo-Carr, who was sacked by Canterbury after testing positive for cocaine, was handed a four-match ban. He has already served one match after missing the Bulldogs' semifinal against Manly.

The NRL considered the players' involvement in the Indigenous All Stars game when making its decision. Mitchell has played six times for the side, including as captain last year, while Addo-Carr has represented the team on four occasions.

Mitchell's availability is a significant boost for the Rabbitohs, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 16th-placed finish in 2024. Club legend Craig Coleman believes Mitchell's return is crucial for the team's success.

"Having Latrell back for round one is good news for all South Sydney fans," Coleman said. "You want your best team in round one and to start the season off on a good note, especially after the last couple of seasons where we have been pretty bad."

Coleman also praised the return of coach Wayne Bennett, who led the team to two preliminary finals and a grand final during his previous stint from 2019-2021.

"Wayne Bennett has been around for four decades, has coached more games than anyone and won more premierships than anyone that is still coaching," Coleman said. "He took us to the grand final in 2021 and is just what Souths need."

Mitchell's presence will add excitement to the round-one blockbuster against the Dolphins, where he is expected to face off against superstar fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The Rabbitohs will be hoping for a strong start to the season with their key players available and a proven coach at the helm.