Latrell Mitchell's frightening warning to NRL rivals: 'All confidence'

In-form South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has delivered a chilling warning to his rivals after declaring that he has another gear to go to before the NRL finals.

Mitchell's return from an injury-enforced mid-season break in the United States has coincided with a brilliant run of form for the seventh-placed Rabbitohs.

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The Bunnies have won six games from their last eight and were a whisker away from completing a thrilling comeback victory over defending premiers Penrith on Thursday night.

Mitchell has been at the heart of much of South Sydney's improvement, with the rampaging fullback returning to the type of form that took his side to last year's grand final.

Mentally and physically recharged by his 15-day mid-season stint in the US, Mitchell has been an unstoppable force at times.

Souths sent Mitchell overseas so their superstar fullback could repair and strengthen his injured hamstring under the guidance of world-renowned conditioning coach Bill Knowles.

Not only has Mitchell come back in dazzling form to reignite the Rabbitohs' premiership hopes, he's also come back a new man.

"I got a lot of confidence out of it, a bit of growth, and it's been awesome since I've been back," Mitchell told AAP on Monday.

"Just being away from the team environment and being selfish and just focusing on myself and getting myself right to come back and do what I'm doing.

"I've been really enjoying taking what I learned from America and bringing it back here and just conducting it every week."

Latrell Mitchell's confidence sky high

Mitchell has credited Knowles with installing the confidence in himself to push his body without fear of re-injuring the hamstring.

"It's all confidence now," he said.

"It's all strength stuff now. Bill Knowles, he knew what he was doing. He taught me from day one how to walk all the way up to running and it's been enjoyable.

"I've been buying into what I've been doing; my prep. It's been good trying to be professional."

The 25-year-old pinpointed an incident in the recent win over the Warriors, when he went toe-to-toe with teammate and speedster Alex Johnston, as a crucial moment for his own confidence.

"I was with AJ (winger Alex Johnston) against the Warriors and I was right next to him," Mitchell said.

"That was a bit of a confidence boost and he's the quickest player on our team, easily. So it's just good to be able to open up and support your teammate."

The Rabbitohs still aren't certain of making the finals and likely need to beat either second-placed North Queensland on Saturday night or resurgent arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters in next week's final round to clinch a spot in the top eight.

They do have the luxury of a much better for-and-against than other sides vying for the top eight, however, if it does come down to that.

However, if last year's grand finalists do feature in September action again this season, Mitchell says rivals should expect an even deadlier Souths fullback.

"I'll kick it into gear soon, don't worry," he said, declaring he could get even faster if he lost a little weight.

"But I'm a power athlete. You're always keen to get a few kilos off you but I'm good with where I'm at at the moment. It's showing."

with AAP

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