Latrell Mitchell demands answer from NRL, Rabbitohs seek legal advice in bid to have suspension counted in Round 27

Latrell Mitchell has broken his silence amid South Sydney’s brawl with the NRL over attempts to fast-track his suspension, heaping the pressure on the NRL as he publicly demanded an answer.

The Daily Telegraph 5.9.2024 Latrell Mitchell. South Sydney RabbitohÕs training session ahead of the last game of the year. Picture Rohan Kelly

South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has heaped more pressure on the NRL, declaring he is ready to play and calling for answers from head office as he looks to serve his one-match ban over the white substance scandal against the Sydney Roosters on Friday.

Mitchell took to his Instagram account only hours after the Rabbitohs’ brawl with the NRL over their star player dramatically escalated when the club sought legal advice amid a request from head office for more information in relation to their star fullback’s training workload.

The NRL also requested that Mitchell be put through a 45-minute fitness test under the watchful eye of an independent trainer.

“I’m ready to play,” Mitchell wrote.

“I need some answers NRL.”

The Rabbitohs provided evidence from two orthopaedic surgeons as well as their long-time doctor Andrew McDonald in a bid to have Mitchell serve a one-match ban this weekend against the Sydney Roosters.

Latrell Mitchell via his Instagram.

However, they were stunned to receive an email on Wednesday afternoon informing them that their initial submission was not enough to declare Mitchell fit and ready to play on Friday night.

It is understood the NRL asked for further information including evidence of Mitchell’s training workloads and information related to any fitness test carried out by the club. This masthead was also told the NRL wanted an independent trainer to carry out a 45-minute fitness test on Mitchell.

Souths have responded to the latest request by seeking legal advice.

“We are taking legal advice on the NRL’s request for further information and the proposed fitness test,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.

The Rabbitohs have asked permission for Latrell Mitchell to play in Round 27, after the NRL rejected a plan for him to serve his one-game suspension. Picture: NRL Photos

The Souths, NSW and Australian star hasn’t played since July after suffering a Lisfranc injury to his foot and the belief a few weeks ago was that his season was over, interim coach Ben Hornby having declared as much.

However, that stance changed when the NRL handed down a one-match ban – as well as a $20,000 fine – after Mitchell was caught on camera standing over a white substance while at a women’s coaching clinic in Dubbo.

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Souths and the players union were of the belief that Mitchell should serve any ban straight away regardless of his injury, pointing to a clause in the NRL Rules.

The NRL felt otherwise and insisted that Mitchell only serve the ban when he was declared fit and ready to play by the club doctor. Mitchell and Souths sprung into action and they believed they had fulfilled the NRL’s request, having sent their biggest star to two separate orthopaedic surgeons on Monday and Tuesday – one was believed to have been doctor David Carmody.

Doctor McDonald also provided information in support of Mitchell’s return. It wasn’t enough to appease the NRL as they called for more information, further heightening tension between the Rabbitohs and head office.

Ben Hornby has insisted Mitchell was fit to play. Picture: NRL Photos

Souths coach Ben Hornby fronted the media on Thursday morning and insisted that Mitchell was fit to play.

“Every week I’m assuming that there are going to be a couple of questions about him, and nothing has changed,” Hornby said.

“He would’ve been (fit to play), but like I said a couple of weeks ago, it was always going to be a long shot with the process.

“It’s in the NRL and the club’s hands now, so there’s not too much more (to add).

“I haven’t spoken to Latrell this morning. We’ve had a big morning with a few milestones and that sort of stuff, so we haven’t discussed it.”

Hornby declined to comment on suggestions Mitchell should be allowed to play against the Roosters if his ban was pushed to 2025 – it is understood the NRL has rejected that application.

“I have no idea because I don’t want to say ‘yes’ and then it doesn’t really matter and if I say ‘no’ then it doesn’t really matter,” he said.

“It’s out of our hands now. It’s with the NRL and the club, and they’ll sort it out.”