South Sydney cop backlash after NRL club goes public with massive Latrell Mitchell backflip

Souths have been panned by angry NRL fans after declaring Latrell Mitchell is a chance to be fit for the final game of the regular season. The fullback has been hit with a one-game ban and $40,000 worth of fines after he was pictured with what appeared to be a white powder two weeks ago.

The issue of when Mitchell should serve the suspension has been a huge talking point, and the NRL has declared he can't take it until he's fully fit. Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby had previously declared that Mitchell wouldn't play again this season due to a foot injury, which led to speculation he'd have to serve the ban in 2025.

But Horny backflipped on that call this week and said Mitchell would be an "outside chance" to play for Souths against the Roosters in Round 27. “Obviously (he’s) still got a bit of a process there to go through. So he is just trying to tick the boxes," Hornby said on Friday.

"There is an outside chance he could play next week if we needed him. He needs to show he is in good enough condition to play a game, that is the main thing. The first thing is to get him out there running.”

Hornby's backflip is seemingly an attempt to get the NRL to allow Mitchell to serve the ban this season so he's free to play in the opening round in 2025. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL will request Mitchell's medical records from Souths before clearing him to take the ban next week. Either way, fans have blasted Souths over their handling of the situation and apparent backflip, labelling it a "joke" and "embarrassment" on social media.

Latrell Mitchell not in contention for Kangaroos spot

If the NRL blocks the move, it's unlikely Mitchell will get to serve the suspension during end-of-season Kangaroos Tests either. Speaking earlier this month, Australia coach Mal Meninga said Mitchell isn't in his plans due to a lack of games under his belt.

"At this stage we're unsure where Latrell is. But I don't think he has probably played enough games and in a good headspace to be in contention," Meninga said.

"Tommy Turbo (Trbojevic) has showed how great of a player he is, he can play anywhere. I'm not quite sure where Bradman Best is. We've obviously got Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, he has played centres. Kotoni Staggs has had a great back-end of the year as well. We've got some quality players we can pick from."

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Latrell Mitchell breaks silence after copping suspension

Speaking after learning his punishment from the NRL, Mitchell took responsibility for his "poor decisions" and vowed to better himself. "Sometimes in life you make poor decisions and I have accepted that as a man/family man/club man I want to do better," Mitchell wrote on social media this week.

"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 my through this. Very grateful."

Mitchell earlier told reporters he had a "good yarn" with the South Sydney board but was at a loss to explain the incident when pressed. "To be honest I don't really know. We will just leave it there," he said while walking to his car.

"No comment. I think we'll leave it with the board and go from there. I just had a good yarn to them and we'll leave it with them and get home to my family now."

with AAP