Latrell Mitchell secret injury reveal: Rabbitohs star’s poor performance against Penrith explained

The reason behind Latrell Mitchell’s disappointing performance in South Sydney’s devastating defeat to Penrith can be revealed.

Latrell Mitchell has been targeted by the crowd. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Latrell Mitchell’s poor performance against the Penrith Panthers can now be explained - he needed painkilling injections before the game and at halftime on a rib cartilage injury.

The Rabbitohs kept it quiet in the build up to the game knowing how heavily targeted he would be against the Panthers.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Mitchell was one of three Souths players who needed painkilling injections before the game and at halftime, with the others being Campbell Graham (broken ribs) and Jai Arrow (groin).

Latrell Mitchell needed painkilling injections to take the field on Saturday night. Picture: Getty

South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly has confirmed the injury difficulties the Rabbitohs played with.

“The players were extremely brave on Saturday night, just as they have been over the last two months. Campbell ), Latrell and Jai all carried injuries into the game, and the team showed a lot of character to play so well given the injuries and players unavailable. I hope our fans and Members are as proud of the players and coaching staff as we are today.”

‘DON’T GO WOKE’: TALLIS BACKS LATRELL BOOERS

- Staff writers

Gorden Tallis has jumped the defence of fans who booed Latrell Mitchell in Penrith’s win over South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

Tallis says the crowd is entitled to express themselves at games within reason and believes fans have the right to boo players.

“It’s not right and are Penrith (fans) wrong, yes. But do they have a right to boo? I think they do. I actually think when you pay the money, if they’re not overstepping the line, and I don’t think booing (is) ... I don’t want the crowd to go woke in our game and you want them to go and boo,” Tallis said on Triple M.

“After the game, is it (booing) unfair? Yeah. Before the game when they run out, is it unfair? I’m not going to tell a fan that he can’t go to the game, pay his money, and boo or cheer a player.”

"I don't want the crowd to go woke in our game!"

LISTEN HERE: https://t.co/rHL9QcUA4Epic.twitter.com/WA8RBcdJdW

— Triple M NRL (@TripleM_NRL) September 25, 2022

Latrell Mitchell has been targeted by the crowd. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Mitchell, a two-time premiership winner with the Tricolours, copped a barrage of boos from Roosters fans at the opening of Allianz Stadium earlier this month, prompting a strong response from the South Sydney fullback.

“It’s a bit disappointing. Once or twice or when I’m kicking goals, then definitely (it’s OK),” Mitchell said at the time.

“But every run was a bit disappointing.

“You see with big Nelson with the Parramatta supporters, it’s f---ing sh*t, to be honest.

“Adam Goodes gave up his career because of it.

“It’s not nice because we cop it every day as it is, and regardless of what happens on the field, it stays on the field. They have control over what they do off (the field) when they come watch a game.

“They can be passionate, but there are different ways on the spectrum of that.

“It’s expected. It’s warranted. I did what I did for them but now the tide has turned.”

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Originally published as Latrell Mitchell secret injury reveal: Rabbitohs star’s poor performance against Penrith explained