Latrell Mitchell might play again this season in huge twist to NRL suspension controversy
Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby has suggested he was premature in ruling the fullback out for the season.
Souths coach Ben Hornby has appeared to backtrack on his claim that Latrell Mitchell won't play again this season, in what could be a ploy to have the fullback serve a looming suspension this year. Mitchell is set to be handed a one-game ban for 'bringing the game into disrepute' after he was photographed leaning over a table with what appeared to be a white substance.
The issue of when Mitchell should serve the ban has been a big talking point this week, with Souths pushing for the NRL to allow the fullback to take it this year. But Hornby revealed last week that Mitchell won't play again this season due to a combination of the photo scandal and a foot injury that hasn't fully healed.
That admission from Hornby led a number of pundits to suggest Mitchell should have to serve the ban next season when he's fit, not this year when he's injured. But Hornby appeared to backflip on Friday and suggested Mitchell isn't necessarily out for the season.
The interim coach revealed Mitchell is out of a moon boot and has been back at the club doing some work in the gym. "He's had his scan, that came back positive so he is out of the boot now," Hornby said. "The conjecture is whether he can run or not. We've just got to go through the process."
When asked directly if Mitchell could potentially play again this season or not, Hornby didn't say he can't. "He's got out of the boot, who knows how long it will take," he added. "He can get on the cardio equipment, but he hasn't been able to train."
South Sydney set to take action against Latrell Mitchell
Hornby was also asked for his thoughts on when Mitchell should be allowed to serve the ban if he's injured. “I’ve got no idea,” he said. “All I know is that we’ve got to play this week and I’m trying to win that with the team we’ve got.
“Latrell stuff will take care of itself. The club will take care of it and we’ll go from there. It has been tough, but he knows he’s put himself in that position. He’s starting to come out of it, so he’s a lot better this week."
Mitchell was due to respond to a breach notice from the NRL as of Thursday night, and Souths have also issued their own breach notice to the fullback. He'll front the Rabbitohs board next week to explain himself, and the club is reportedly considering demanding he agree to a new behavioural clause in his $1.2 million-per-season contract.
When will Latrell Mitchell have to serve his suspension?
It's unlikely the Rabbitohs will move to sack Mitchell at this stage, but the club's powerbrokers are said to be fed up with some of his behaviour. The Rabbitohs are adamant any suspension Mitchell receives should be served immediately and ticked off in the final rounds of this year.
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Even if the NRL rules he can't serve the ban while injured, he will likely be able to use the end of year Test matches or the pre-season All-Star game next year to take it. In their submission to the NRL, Souths are expected to raise such issues as Taylan May serving a ban for an off-field scuffle while sidelined by an ACL injury.
May's ban had been determined before his injury, but was pushed back to the start of the 2023 season to allow him to play in the finals series in 2022 for the Panthers. There are also numerous examples of players serving bans for on-field indiscretions while injured, including Parramatta's Kelma Tuilagi this year. Souths are also understood to have the support of the Rugby League Players Association in their push for Mitchell to serve the ban immediately.
with AAP
