NRL 2021: Latrell Mitchell to stay in Queensland with Rabbitohs despite suspension
Wayne Bennett isn’t surprised by the barrage of personal attacks on Latrell Mitchell, but is confident he can still help the Rabbitohs’ title push.
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The critics have written off South Sydney's title chances without Latrell Mitchell but Wayne Bennett believes the full-back’s ‘influence’ will guide the side in the finals series.
Mitchell was whacked with a six-game ban for an ugly high shot that also ended former teammate and Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu’s season.
Bennett revealed Mitchell has decided to remain in the club’s Gold Coast hub and has been training with the side in preparation for the Rabbitohs’ premiership push.
“He’s been training with us this morning. He won’t be going until our last game,” Bennett said on Friday.
“Particularly with our training he’s influential there and he’ll be good around the group there. Particularly playing the role of the opposition [fullback] as we do different drills.
“It’s important he stays with us.
“He wants to stay and we want him to stay so that’s what’s happening.”
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The fallout from the tackle and the heated round 24 showdown between the arch rivals has dominated headlines during the week.
Mitchell received a barrage of criticism and personal attacks on social media following the game.
“No,” Bennett quipped when asked if he was surprised at amount of criticism Mitchell has copped.
“I think we all feel [unfairly criticised] that at different times, but it doesn’t matter it makes no difference. Nothing changes.”
Bennett insisted Mitchell was in high spirits and that his side had not been distracted from the task at hand, Saturday’s clash against St George Illawarra on the Sunshine Coast.
“We didn’t have to regroup. We’re fine. It’s only a distraction if you let it be. I don’t think anyone in the club has let it be a distraction,” Bennett said.
Rising playmaker Blake Taaffe has been handed the No.1 jersey in place of Mitchell.
While Bennett has backed the rookie to handle the position, Taaffe isn’t the coach’s only option if the experiment fails.
Five-eighth Cody Walker has filled in at the back, while Alex Johnston could move from the wing.
“We haven‘t got a lot of time left, we’ve got one game tomorrow and four more weeks so we’ll just see what happens tomorrow,“ Bennett said.
“I’ve got a couple of options if I need to use them. We’ll just see how it all goes tomorrow.
Bennett has also rested eight regular first-graders for Saturday’s game including Walker, Johnston, halfback Adam Reynolds, forward Thomas Burgess and centre Dane Gagai.
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