Latrell Mitchell is set to miss at least three matches, potentially four, after the NRL match review committee came down hard on the Rabbitohs fullback for a high hit with his elbow on Shaun Johnson.
Mitchell quickly apologised after catching Johnson in the head with a fend-off near the in-goal area, the incident one of two that earned the controversial star a report in the first half of South Sydney’s loss to the Warriors – the second an ugly lifting tackle on Tohu Harris.
The elbow on Johnson was deemed a grade-two dangerous contact charge, with Mitchell’s history of suspensions upping the charge to a four-match ban, which can be reduced to three with an early plea.
The 26-year old escaped being sent to the sin bin for either incident, with Fox League’s Greg Alexander claiming he was ‘lucky’ to avoid being banished.
“It’s a little bit more than just a forearm, it’s almost like a swinging elbow to the head of Shaun Johnson.”
Speaking after the Rabbitohs’ 34-4 loss which has seen them again slump to the bottom of the NRL ladder, coach Jason Demetriou hit out at the twin incidents.
“They’re both stupid things. You’ve got to be better, simple as that,” Demetriou said.
But the South Sydney coach refused to condemn the fullback, whose track record is starting to count against him.
“I’ll have those conversations (with him) during the week,” Demetriou said. “It’s not something for me to talk about right now.
“As a group, we’ll be honest as we are every week and have a look at things we need to be better at.”
The verdict will leave Mitchell on the sidelines ahead of a testing run for the Bunnies, who face Cronulla, Melbourne and Penrith over the next month.
Latrell Mitchell with Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Souths are already without veteran winger Alex Johnston (hamstring) for another month, while centre Campbell Graham (sternum) is sidelined for the majority of the year.
Axed halfback Lachlan Ilias broke his leg in NSW Cup yesterday, while his replacement Dean Hawkins is yet to make his mark in first grade.
Mitchell’s pending ban likely means the club will call upon 20-year-old Jye Gray to debut in his spot against Cronulla on Saturday night.
His issues have come at the same time pressure has intensified on the Rabbitohs and Demetriou.
First on the ladder last May, Souths suffered the biggest capitulation in NRL history as they lost nine of their last 13 matches to miss the 2023 finals.
The freefall came as assistant coach and club legend Sam Burgess walked out on the team, concerned about what he believed was preferential treatment of Mitchell and Cody Walker.
The Rabbitohs’ woes continued into this season, beaten soundly by Manly, Brisbane, the Sydney Roosters and now the Warriors.
Their only victory came against Canterbury on Good Friday, with the club’s 1-4 start their worst since 2008.
Mitchell’s ill discipline proved to be Souths’ undoing after a positive start where Izaac Thompson slid through the Warriors’ defence and touched down after five minutes.
It was the best South Sydney would play all afternoon with Rocco Berry breezing through some limp Rabbitohs defence to put Andrew Webster’s side ahead after Shaun Johnson converted.
In the 13 minutes between Mitchell’s two indiscretions, Souths made four errors and were offside three separate times.
Dolphins hooker Kurt Donoghoe is facing a ban of 2-3 matches for a high tackle on Samuela Fainu during their win over the Tigers, while Wests star Aidan Sezer has escaped with a fine of $1800-$2500 for dangerous contact on Jesse Bromwich.
(with AAP)
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Lengthy ban? A Fijian Drua player got 6 weeks for an elbow to the head,.
Slammin_Sam
Roar Rookie
Cmon Cellar Bound.....
Cadfael
Roar Guru
A lengthy ban is What Lussick is looking at not Latrell's 3 weeks.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
BS Sam! They are the same thing and I have gone on record saying that Manly was hard done by because the NRL didn't allow the same for Brett Stewart and Steve Matai.
Wrecked 'em
Roar Rookie
They were. Especially Burgess.
criag
Roar Rookie
It's just a shame that most of the trophies inside are so old they've corroded into a pile of dust!
criag
Roar Rookie
But JWH gets cited when he gently caresses an opposing player's hair!
criag
Roar Rookie
Geez! You got Latrell because the Roosters re-signed them. I wouldn't be complaining! (..or would I?)
criag
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
As I mentioned elsewhere, the Bunnies had 4 points after round 5 last year and by round 11, were top of the comp, almost exclusively because Mitchell was playing outstanding football. When his efforts dropped off after that, so did his team, so yes, it's completely reasonable for Souths to expect way more from LM than what he's dished up so far this year. Hopefully he comes back re-energized and the Bunnies kill the back end of the season.
Poss
Roar Rookie
Absolutely Big Gordy :thumbup:
Albo
Roar Rookie
No chance !
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
That’s the way the Easter egg crumbles I guess
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! I suspect the same was his problem at the Chooks ! The management just wouldn't play ball with him .
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
By 2020 $1M a season will be equivalent to what the Roosters offered him back in 2019. In fact $1M in 2024 is equivalent to $800k in 2020.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The guy has literally excelled for NSW and the Kangaroos and you are saying he has nothing to offer any club :laughing: If it's not racism then what is it?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
But surely they should be treated the same in regards to rule - as they have been, right? Unless you are saying because Mitchell is a good player he should be punished more than average players?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Because Mitchell is a star player with great talent. Gamble is a battling fringe first grader.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Oh now they are? Nobody called them that at the time.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
He needs to stay and see the damage his actions have caused. He is the Clubs best player and is arguably the Clubs leader. I don't know how he can take off now given where the Club stands