NRL 2024: South Sydney Rabbitohs defend Latrell Mitchell for missing Sharks game for country rodeo

Polarising Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has come under social media criticism for attending a country rodeo instead of his side’s match against Cronulla on Saturday night. However, the club has come to the defence of their injured fullback.

Latrell on the poster for the Casino Truckshow. Picture: Instagram

South Sydney has emphatically defended allowing injured star player Latrell Mitchell to attend a country rodeo rather than the club’s match against Cronulla on Saturday night.

Mitchell appeared at a truck show bull ride in the northern NSW town of Casino rather than watching his side play at PointsBet Stadium.

Rabbitohs management were clearly irritated about social media criticism directed at Mitchell.

Souths chief executive Blake Solly quickly revealed Mitchell had been granted approval to attend the event along with Souths teammate Ben Lovett.

Mitchell is currently out with a foot injury and isn’t due back until round 26.

Solly also pointed out Mitchell drove three hours each way to Canberra the previous week where he mingled and took selfies with fans for hours before and after Souths’ game.

Latrell on the poster for the Casino Truckshow. Picture: Instagram

“Latrell and Ben Lovett were in Casino doing some community work on Saturday,” Solly said.

“They weren’t expected to be at Cronulla for the game, having travelled to Canberra for our match last Sunday.

“Unfortunately we have a big long-term injury list at the moment, and a few of our players have had short breaks in recent weeks to freshen up from their hard and repetitive work in rehabilitation.”

The rodeo was held at Casino showgrounds.

J & J Rodeo posted on social media: “We’re pumped to announce that Latrell Mitchell, the Winmarra team, and fellow Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett will be at our Casino Truck Show bull ride this Saturday night.

“This will be a chance to meet the footy legends in person for signing opportunities also.”

Mitchell was also promoting Winmarra, his clothing range.

Social media users asked why Mitchell wasn’t watching his team play at Cronulla.

The Rabbitohs have defended Latrell Mitchell for his absence. Picture: NRL Imagery

A source close to the rodeo said: “Latrell loves getting away for a few days and does so much in the local community.

“He probably does more to promote the game and his club in the bush than he would sitting at a freezing Shark Park on Saturday night.”

It wasn’t mandatory for Mitchell to attend the Raiders away game but he still elected to drive to Canberra.

There is a feeling that a returning Mitchell could be rested from the final two games of this season should Souths be mathematically out of finals contention.

The Rabbitohs play Penrith and the Sydney Roosters in rounds 26 and 27 when Mitchell is due back.

Cronulla beat Souths 20-6 on Saturday night.