Latrell Mitchell cops brutal new blow as Alex Johnston set to miss remainder of NRL season

Question marks remain over whether Latrell Mitchell will be rested for the remainder of the season after the Rabbitohs' NRL finals hopes took a massive blow. The Rabbitohs were helpless as the Raiders ran riot in a 21-12 victory at GIO Stadium 32-12 following an embarrassing display for South Sydney with their NRL season on the line.

Rabbitohs fans watched on in horror as Damien Cook missed simple conversion attempts, the defence was non existent and Cody Walker failed to ignite a lacklustre backline. Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, Alex Johnston was also carried off the field after suffering a suspected Achilles injury in the first half.

Johnston was in serious pain after going down without contact. The winger is now expected to miss anywhere between five to eighth months, which will see him return midway through next year. The Rabbitohs' backline is already depleted with Campbell Graham having not played a single game this year, while fullback Mitchell is sitting on the sideline again.

There were reports Mitchell would return to the Rabbitohs in round 24 because he would avoid surgery. His return would be to help his team make a storming run into the NRL finals if they still had a chance. Coach Ben Hornby confirmed the reports, but tried to quell expectations after he claimed Mitchell was at least four weeks away.

However, the Rabbitohs' abysmal display against the Raiders has just about finished their season with South Sydney most likely to miss out on finals footy for the second season in a row. They will now most likely have to win five of their next six matches to put themselves in the frame. Another loss and the Rabbitohs would have very little to play for in 2024.

And questions will remain to whether Mitchell will return this season or will the Rabbitohs opt to rest him and extend his recovery. Mitchell was integral to South Sydney's stunning return to form, with the club winning six games from its last seven to move into 12th on the ladder.

The Rabbitohs will need to defeat a number of top teams, including the Sharks this weekend, to have a chance of qualifying this year. Although, their hopes could be dashed by the time Mitchell returns in three to four weeks. This could come into the decision on whether or not to bring Mitchell back.

Rabbitohs facing brutal NRL finals footy quest

Injuries, State of Origin and suspension have limited Mitchell to just 11 games for the Rabbitohs so far this season, meaning he might only play 15 games at best for Souths in 2024 unless they can qualify for the finals. Jye Gray will continue to fill the fullback role for interim coach Hornby's side but they'll have their work cut out to remain in finals contention without their inspirational No.1.

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The Rabbitohs lost to the Raiders on Sunday night's clash and will now face top-four contenders Cronulla and Melbourne. Hornby will have a big decision on who to bring in on the left wing after Johnston's injury. Hornby revealed earlier in the month that Mitchell would likely still be sent for surgery on the injury if it gets to the point where Souths are out of finals contention.

"He doesn't feel like it is too sore at the moment, so that is keeping him a bit more upbeat than if it was completely gone," Hornby said earlier this month. "We certainly hope (he can avoid surgery). We can't predict that, and I'm not a doctor. We'll see how the scan goes in four weeks time."