Ex-South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou says Latrell Mitchell can be first-class five-eighth

Former South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has reiterated his belief that Latrell Mitchell can be a world-class five-eighth as the Rabbitohs prepare to turn to their biggest name to help solve a halves crisis heading into the weekend.

Injuries could force Latrell Mitchell into the halves this week against the Cowboys. Picture: Richard Dobson

Former South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has reiterated his belief that Latrell Mitchell can be a world-class five-eighth as the Rabbitohs prepare to turn to their biggest name to help solve a halves crisis heading into the weekend.

Mitchell made his return from a hamstring injury last Friday night in the centres but he finished the win over the Sydney Roosters in the halves after injury struck down Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys.

With Walker and Humphreys set to be sidelined for extended periods with hamstring injuries, Mitchell spent portions of Monday morning’s training session at five-eighth alongside Jayden Sullivan in a potential pointer to the pair starting in the halves against North Queensland in Perth on Saturday night.

The wildcard is Englishman Lewis Dodd, who played NSW Cup last weekend and wasn’t involved in training on Monday morning. While Dodd is expected to travel to Perth with Souths on Wednesday, Mitchell’s performance at five-eighth against the Roosters made an irresistible case to coach Wayne Bennett for him to wear the No.6 jersey.

When the game was on the line, Mitchell stepped up to deliver a killer pass for Isaiah Tass to score the matchwinning try as he inspired a victory over the Rabbitohs’ bitter rivals.

Demetriou always harboured the view that Mitchell could develop into a top-class playmaker.

“Look at the impact he had on the game at the weekend,” Demetriou said.

“He has some of the best ball playing of any half in the competition and he is a bigger body so he can handle the defence in the front line. It also reduces his workload. The other thing he has got is a good, long kick.

Cody Walker has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.Picture: Richard Dobson

“Latrell can play anywhere but I definitely think long-term he would make a good No.6. It wouldn’t surprise me (if he played five-eighth this weekend).

“I think Wayne is good at knowing what he has available, the best 17 and then putting them in positions that suit the team.

“I think it’s definitely something they would have floated. I know (assistant coach) Ben Hornby was somebody who was keen on it.

“They need some creativity with Cody gone as well. So that would make sense – he (Latrell) is their most creative player.

“I think he would be a world-class No.6 to be honest.”

The Rabbitohs confirmed on Monday that Humphreys is set to miss up to five weeks, while Cody Walker is expected to be sidelined for the next three weeks.

While Monday morning’s session mostly consisted of defensive drills, Mitchell was spotted running some plays in the five-eighth position and shifted to left centre in the defensive line.

Alex Johnston (L) is a week-to-week prospect.Picture: Richard Dobson

Winger Alex Johnston, who is still a week-to-week proposition, also trained with the main group but wore a pink rehab bib for the duration.

Johnston is managing a rib injury but moved freely on Monday morning and is likely to come into contention for selection this week, as is veteran Euan Aitken.

He was spotted in deep conversation with Bennett during the session. Winger Mikaele Ravalawa also suffered a hamstring injury against the Roosters and spent Monday morning training with the rehab group.

He is expected to miss between six to eight weeks.