As a whole, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have been progressive as a team this season, despite facing their fair share of adversity.
Individual superstars such as Damien Cook, Cameron Murray, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell have all been doing their part, especially with the unfortunate injury to Latrell during April.
However, since his comeback six weeks ago the influence of Latrell Mitchell has not gone unnoticed. His overall X-factor is a dangerous sign for any opposition team, his ability to change a game with bursts of his playing style is unmatched.
His ball running abilities and destructive line speed continue to bring spark and depth into South Sydney’s attack.
A perfect example of Latrell’s abilities was seen last week in the Rabbitohs 48-12 win against the Warriors. The offload from Jai Arrow created the optimal platform for Latrell to make a powerful run which ultimately resulted in a try.
His fend on Warriors player Bunty Afoa captured the essence of Latrell’s power, his ability to play on quick and allusive footwork makes for a difficult time for any opposing defender. Not to mention his quick tap-on with his passing game and his immaculate precision almost every time.
When Latrell is playing his best footy his impact is felt throughout the entire Rabbitohs team. Therefore, if Latrell is playing his best footy come Friday night against the Parramatta Eels it could be real alarm bells ringing for the under-pressure Eels team.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
Well as a Souths supporter since young I hope the same.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
I hope you are right, because Souths and their fans really need something more than a bunch of futile excuses to offer post game.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
It can be argued that the Rabbitohs weren't fully in unison earlier on during the season (understandable considering they had to build new combinations and live up to last season's expectations). Which I believe majorly contributed to Latrell's 'lacking game' against the Panthers in round 4. However, I do believe that with Campbell Graham and Lachlan Ilias coming back this week, as well as, coming off of a tremendous performance against the Eels this time round will be different if they up-hold form.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Hi Rosie, any thoughts why he keeps getting done like a dinner v the Panthers ? The last time he beat them he was playing for the Roosters and a lightweight. I thought the game out at Penrith earlier in the year was finally his chance, a lot of the reason, I went along. Plenty of hype about not having him their in the GF. Many including myself, leaving more than a bit disappointed the hype didn't match the effort.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
In any case, congrats on your first story and some insightful comments on the game. Keep up the good work. :thumbup:
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
You could be right about that. Latrell is a completely different beast during finals, it is unfortunate he has been unable to play for Souths in the last two finals series. If Latrell maintains the form he is in and as you said above remains fit the Rabbitohs will be potential contenders this season and could threaten any team in with the right mindset.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
The key is keeping Latrell fit and on the field in this frame of mind for the finals. For the last 2 years Souths have been in white hot form and gone on a run but have not had Latrell available for the finals. If they had I believe Souths would have won at least one if not both of the last two premierships.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I most certainly agree with that. The Rabbitohs are hitting deadly form coming into finals and if they maintain this same energy and mindset they are genuine threats to the heavyweight teams which they coming up against in the next 3 weeks.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Last night's emphatic 26 - 0 win by the Rabbitohs over the Eels further emphasised Latrell's influence on Souths run to the finals. The good news for the Bunnies is that Latrell is fit, fresh, hungry and determined to help Souths go one better than last year. With Tom Burgess and Campbell Graham both due back next week, bring on the finals!
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I hope parra can ‘show up’ if not just for a good spectacle. Half the comp are hot and cold but none have such a large gap between the two as the eels.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Nice first article Rosie. Mitchell in beast mode is something to behold. That combination of pace, power and vision all make him a formidable opponent. I think he reads broken play better than most as well and can turn a half opportunity into a major one. Should be a cracking contest tonight.
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I think that, as a whole, the entire Rabbitohs team needs to be on. Parramatta can shut down Rabbitohs' plays if they don't start fast through their middles. Latrell's X-factor skillset is best displayed off the back of an intense start. Both Parramatta and Souths both have powerful forward packs and I believe both teams will be up for the challenge.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Hi Rosie. It definitely ‘if Latrell is playing his best footy’, I am not sure the eels have what it takes to have him covered. The top, top teams close these teams down pretty easy I think, cover ‘star x’ and that it. Would LM’s skills counter eels forwards if they get a dominating roll on?
Rosie Faddoul
Roar Rookie
I definitely agree with that, Latrell is still a growing player in the game and his abilities are only getting better. With the changing South Sydney developing a variety of combinations Latrell's game is only going to get better. I honestly can't wait to see what he is going to produce tonight against the Eels. Also thank you for the kind regards.
Redcap
Roar Guru
There isn't another player quite like him. Tedesco and Edwards are always on the move, they're perpetual motion machines. Mitchell can produce the same attacking output from about 65% of the work rate. The next step in his career is to up that work rate, part of which involves getting fitter and part of which involves Souths getting a bit better at attacking through the middle third. If he takes that next step, he could end up one of the all-time greats. Welcome to The Roar, BTW, Rosie.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
He certainly came back sharper. He might have shared an aisle with Tony Robbins on the way back.