Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell has lost his fight at the judiciary on Tuesday evening, meaning he will miss next weekend’s preliminary final.
The Grade 1 charge for dangerous contact to the head and neck was upheld by the judiciary, meaning he will not be available to face the winner of the South Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons, who play a semi-final this coming Saturday at Homebush.
The youngster was charged by the match review committee for an incident in the 42nd minute of the qualifying final against the Cronulla Sharks, when he committed a crusher tackle on Josh Dugan.
While the incident was originally overlooked by the referees on field as worthy of being reportable, it was picked during the review of the match on Sunday.
Mitchell’s suspension will remain at one week despite losing the charge at the juduciary. Without a risk of it being upgraded to two weeks, the Roosters’ decision to challenge was an obvious one.
Should the Bondi club win their preliminary final, Mitchell will be eligible for selection in the grand final, but his absence shapes as a huge loss, with Mitchell making his New South Wales Origin debut this year on the back of some superb form, and also carrying out goalkicking duties for the club.
The tackle has received comparisons to one from Storm centre Will Chambers. The Queensland and Australian representative was rubbed out for three weeks after he committed a similar tackle against the Parramatta Eels at the end of the NRL season.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
yeah that sexting scandal will have a detrimental effect on the wabbits, it'll be worse if players are stood down. I think it is all coming together for the Dragons with Latrell getting banned as well. can't wait for games to begin
Rob
Guest
So glad the judiciary has shown some consistentcy. If they slapped Chambers with 3 weeks (1 being a semi) then Mitchell certainly deserved missing a knockout semi. Both tackles deserved suspensions. As a fan nothing is more frustrating than inconsistency.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Hi there Scotty. I may be wrong but I noticed that you've been promoted from Guru to Editor? If so, congratulations mate!
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Plan B. Give it to Teddy
CTSTORM
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Paul
Roar Guru
I hope the boys at Bondi get in Mitchell's head and make sure he understands that someone with his size and talent can dominate opposition sides without the need to use these sorts of tactics. I equally hope they change his tackling style otherwise he might be doing a Napa in coming seasons and missing way more than one game.
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
Better off doing a chicken wing tackle... you don't get suspended for doing that.... or kicking people in the head.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
"face the winner of the South Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons" seriously?
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
What's Robbo going to do now his one and only game plan "give it to Latrell" is out the window? The Chokepen will be in overdrive.
Chris
Roar Pro
Not as bad but at least a match or two for sure. Right call.
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
I think Mitchell is quietly relieved he doesn't have to face Souths at full strength.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Not nearly as bad as the Chambers one that was malicious and intentional. I am surprised Chambers will play again this year. It’s was a disgrace.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Mitchell and Napa missing from the biggest game of the year so far. If the Chooks lose this it will be assumed that next year will be a better chance to win the title. That might be true but it's not always that predictable as the Cows and Eels have shown this year. A bit on the silly side from both players.
Aw
Guest
Dumb tackle and brain fade that has cost the roosters big time. This means the rest of the side needs to step up big time. But i dont kno if they will
The Barry
Roar Guru
Damn! I had my tinfoil hat ready. Nick Politis had paid off Todd Greenberg. The NRL want a Roosters v Storm grand final.
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
See you next year Lattrell. Look at the positive. You won't have to be there when the Rabbitohs hand the rorters their 5th year choke in a row.