Latrell Mitchell denied on-field access following ‘white substance’ suspension

Latrell Mitchell was mobbed by fans before and after the game against the Panthers at Penrith Stadium, but despite his rock star status the South Sydney star was denied an all-access pass.

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs looks on during the round 26 NRL match between Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs at BlueBet Stadium on August 30, 2024, in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

An NRL official blocked South Sydney’s request to have Latrell Mitchell help with the on-field warm-up on Friday night.

Under NRL rules no suspended player is allowed to enter the playing field on game-day. It is understood a South Sydney official made the request to the NRL staff on-hand at BlueBet Stadium but the move was rejected.

Mitchell had hoped to assist the South Sydney staff as the team underwent their pre-game warm-up on the field. It is common to see injured players involved in warm-ups and they are often seen carrying equipment.

But because Mitchell was hit with a one-game ban after an off-field incident he was unable to take to the field even if it was before the game. South Sydney skipper Cameron Murray was also a spectator behind the fence after his three game ban for a high tackle last week.

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell in the stands watching his teammates during their loss to Penrith. Credit: NRL Images.

It was a similar stance taken in Origin after Haumole Olakau’atu was unable to join his NSW teammates on the field to lift the shield after the game having been sent-off after being involved in a sideline fight despite not playing.

Mitchell and Murray were among a throng of unavailable South Sydney starts including Campbell Graham, Tevita Tatola, Shaq Mitchell and Lachie Ilias who watched the game from South Sydney’s assigned dug-out near the dressing sheds.

Mitchell was mobbed by fans before and after the game as he attended the match at Penrith. He happily posed for photos and signed autographs well after full-time as he tried to make his way out of the stadium.

It comes as Mitchell – who hasn’t played since July because of a foot injury – and South Sydney will try to prove his fitness this week ahead of the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Roosters on Friday night at Accor Stadium.

It is understood the NRL will ask South Sydney for medical records which would allow him to serve his one-game suspension on Friday night. If he is deemed unfit he will miss game one next year.

South Sydney will be unable to name Mitchell in their team list on Tuesday as the NRL forbids any banned player from being named. However a decision is likely to have been made by then. Mitchell was fined a total of $40,000 – $20,000 each from the NRL and his club – after being photographed with a white substance.

South Sydney’s growing injury woes continued after Jack Wighton was unable to finish the game with a calf injury.