Corey Parker lashes South Sydney over 'unprofessional' Latrell Mitchell move after board meeting

Broncos great Corey Parker has taken aim at the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their 'unprofessional' handling of the Latrell Mitchell drama on Tuesday morning. Mitchell finally fronted the Rabbitohs board on Tuesday where he was asked to explain his actions after the fallout from his recent off-field scandal.

Mitchell will reportedly be slapped with a $20,000 fine and a one match ban from the NRL for bringing the game into disrepute. And after meeting with the board the $1.2 million superstar was greeted with a media scrum. Mitchell walked out of South Sydney's headquarters by himself and brushed past media with few words for reporters.

The NRL superstar was by himself and had no Rabbitohs representative with him as he asked for privacy. And NRL great Parker has taken aim at the club for not handling the situation well having suggested Mitchell should have been supported instead of being left to his own devices. Parker said South Sydney's silence was also questionable decision from the club.

“It was most unprofessional from the club,” Parker said on SEN Radio on Wednesday. “It was an opportunity for South Sydney and Latrell to front the media and hear from them.

“He said he’s extremely remorseful and I’ve got no doubt about that. He has let himself down, his family, his teammates, sponsors and fans. The way it was handled on Tuesday was disappointing and South Sydney have a role to play also.

“To leave him hung out to dry when they knew there would’ve been cameras galore waiting for him. They should’ve put it to bed and moved forward. It now appears that it is the last chance saloon for Latrell Mitchell.”'

Parker suggested incoming South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would be able to have an impact on Mitchell next year due to his managing style. Parker, who has worked with Bennett, claimed the master-coach demands respect and won't 'tolerate' any unwanted behaviour from players.

Latrell Mitchell reaches out to fans after one-game ban

After meeting with the board, Mitchell waited some time before reaching out to his fans on social media. The Rabbitohs No.1 admitted he wants to do 'better' in the future as he looks to move on from the drama.

“Sometimes in life you make poor decisions and I have accepted that I as a man / family man / Club man, I want to do better,” Mitchell posted on his Instagram story. “I can take this time now to move forward look ahead and continue on being the best version of myself. Love to all that has supported me through this. Very grateful.”

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The Rabbitohs star has only played 11 games in 2024 due to injuries and suspension, but his behaviour off the field has drawn widespread criticism. Mitchell is currently injured and is unlikely to return in 2024 with the club unable to play NRL finals footy for the second year in a row.

Mitchell will most likely serve his one-game ban as the start of the 2025 season. Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has already suggested Mitchell was not going to be selected for the end of season international games due to his injury and lack of playing time. This is despite Mitchell playing a pivotal role at centre for the Blues in the State of Origin series win.