NRL 2022: Latrell Mitchell’s loophole to avoid being stood down over Origin stance

Latrell Mitchell is set to sidestep being stood down for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as the rugby league world remains in shock over his Origin withdrawal.

Latrell Mitchell talking to Fox League after his return match. Picture: NRL Images

Latrell Mitchell shocked rugby league by declaring himself unavailable for NSW selection 36 hours before the Blues team would be announced — narrowly sneaking past an NRL rule which could have seen him remarkably stood down from South Sydney’s match against Newcastle on Friday night.

Under NRL rules, and stipulated in a playing contract, all players must be available for representative football, if eligible.

Withdrawing before the team was selected, and a question mark over whether Mitchell would have been chosen, will almost certainly allow South Sydney’s champion fullback to play the Knights.

Mitchell withdrew from the NSW side late on Saturday night, the Blues side to be announced on Monday.

There is little doubt NSW coach Brad Fittler was considering Mitchell for the State of Origin decider in Brisbane on Wednesday week.

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Latrell Mitchell had too much class for Parramatta on Saturday night. Picture: NRL Images

Had Mitchell withdrawn after being named, he would have been forced out of South Sydney’s side for the McDonald Jones Stadium match.

Mitchell could still be taken out of the Souths-Newcastle game if Fittler was to come forward saying the star Rabbitohs fullback would have been picked, which is highly unlikely.

A rule was introduced into rugby league a decade ago after Manly centre Jamie Lyon made himself unavailable for NSW.

The NRL decided that any player who pulls out of the NSW side will automatically be stood down from club footy the following weekend.

Fittler can still technically select the Rabbitohs fullback but the NSW coach will adhere to Mitchell’s wishes.

Latrell Mitchell talking to Fox League after his return match. Picture: NRL Images

The Blues camp made contact with Souths management on Sunday to reveal two players had been chosen – Cam Murray and Damien Cook – and not Mitchell.

“We understand and recognise the rules but we expect Latrell to be available and playing on Friday night,” Solly said. “We were aware of this (rule) but he hasn’t been picked (for NSW),” said South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly.

Speaking moments after South Sydney’s 30-12 win over Parramatta on Saturday night, Mitchell said: “I think I’m going to shut down the headlines now. I’m going to pull myself out and worry about Souths, focus on myself.

“They’ve got a really good team there at NSW. Good luck to Burton in the centres, and give (Matt) Crichton a go, too. Let him have a go, let him bleed in.

“I just really want to focus on South Sydney and myself, and get myself right for the back end of the season.”

Souths coach Jason Demetriou applauded Mitchell’s decision.

“Yeah, I think it’s huge. You know, he’s very committed,” Demetriou said.

“I think it’s just being respectful to the Blues team, as well, that they played last week and did a great job.”

NSW will announce its side on Monday morning before leaving Sydney for a pre-Origin camp in Kingscliff on the NSW north coast.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Latrell Mitchell’s loophole to avoid being stood down over Origin stance