Monday Buzz: Phil Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week in sport

For the second week in a row, Latrell Mitchell was involved in a questionable defensive incident. PHIL ROTHFIELD says the Rabbitohs star needs to cut it out as he reveals his highlights and lowlights from the week.

Latrell Mitchell has been involved in questionable incidents two weeks in a row.

Latrell Mitchell’s charge for the knockout collision with Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr was correctly graded as dangerous contact.

A fine of $1800 is probably an appropriate outcome.

However, the concern is that this was the second week in row that the South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar has been involved in a questionable incident.

Last week, he landed his knee on the side of James Tedesco’s face in the Roosters v Rabbitohs game in the in-goal area. It was careless and unnecessary contact.

Every defender, Mitchell included, has a responsibility of care in these situations.

Yet there’s a fine line.

Latrell Mitchell hits Josh Addo-Carr high. Pic: Fox League

Latrell Mitchell makes contact with the knees to the face of James Tedesco. Pic: Fox League

We often criticise the Rabbitohs fullback for being out of position in defence.

For lacking the energy to tidy up like other busier fullbacks.

Then he fires up, charges across Accor Stadium and nails Addo-Carr in the corner.

He’s just got to stop leading with the knees.

FEARS FOR KEARY’S FORM

No one wants to bag a champion …

But the Sydney Roosters’ decision to sign stalwart five-eighth Luke Keary for an extra 12 months has been the subject of much debate online among club diehards.

The 32-year-old playmaker has given such wonderful service to the club since arriving from the Rabbitohs.

Is Luke Keary good enough for the Roosters? Picture: Supplied

However, there are concerns after Keary’s disappointing performance against the Panthers and the head knock the previous game against Manly. On seniority, he takes over control of the team.

This affects young halfback Sam Walker and his ability to pull the strings.

The Roosters’ best performance this year was the victory over the Rabbitohs with Walker calling the shots and combining beautifully with Sandon Smith.

There’s no question Keary can pick himself up and make an important contribution for the rest of 2024 – but next year is the question mark.

HIGHLIGHT

Tom Dearden's incredible try-saving tackle on Selwyn Cobbo. Picture: Fox Sports Australia

A tackle for the highlight reel for years to come. Picture: Fox Sports Australia

The Tom Dearden cover tackle on Selwyn Cobbo at Suncorp on Friday night was freakishly brilliant. Better even than Scott Sattler’s on Todd Byrne in the 2003 grand final, although not as much was at stake. Cobbo is certainly a bigger, faster and stronger player to bring down than Byrne.

LOWLIGHT

A bludger of a game in Wollongong on Saturday evening. Full credit to underdogs St George Illawarra but, my goodness, the Manly Sea Eagles were awful.

LOWLIGHT II

This acrobatic finish from Joey Manu was denied by the Bunker. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Joey Manu disallowed try at Allianz Stadium. A terrible, terrible decision lacking common sense. There is no black and white in rugby league. Every play is different. The referees inside the bunker need to use discretion in every decision they make.

SHOOSH

A newly appointed NRL club chairman recently sent an email to the 16 chairmen at rival clubs to try to set up a meeting at Magic Round in Brisbane to address various issues in the game. Most were surprised because he has been in the game for five minutes and didn’t even bother to reply.

Jacob Preston of the Bulldogs receives medical attention. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

SPOTTED

How do the doctors work out an HIA? Roosters halfback Sam Walker got a light bump two weeks ago and was ordered off with a category one. Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston was almost knocked out, suffered a broken jaw, but was allowed back on against Souths.

SPOTTED II

Off the field, the Roosters are always a step ahead of their rivals because of the quality of business types on their board. Last week’s appointment of hotel property guru Andrew Jolliffe as a director is a huge coup.

360 VIEW

Catch you Monday night on NRL 360 with Braith Anasta, Paul Kent and Gorden Tallis straight after fulltime in the Parramatta Eels versus Wests Tigers game.