NRL 2020: South Sydney Rabbitohs beat New Zealand Warriors as Latrell Mitchell leaves ground in tears
In a match where Latrell Mitchell starred, stood accused of a high shot and even found himself involved in an alleged eye gouging saga, the biggest story is still to come. And Wayne Bennett wasn’t giving anything away.
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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has refused to reveal why star recruit Latrell Mitchell left Bankwest Stadium in tears on Friday night after a leading his side to a comprehensive win against the Warriors.
In a match where Mitchell starred, stood accused of a high shot and even found himself involved in an alleged eye gouging saga, the biggest story still came afterwards – when Fox Sports cameras captured the Bunnies No.1 in tears both leaving the ground and in the sheds.
Yet when asked why his superstar recruit had been so upset – and if it involved anything to do with the previous 80 minutes – Bennett opted to give nothing away, saying “it’s got nothing to do with you”.
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Shortly after fronting the post match press conference, the Bunnies coach was asked if he could reveal why the 23-year-old, who orchestrated two tries in a stellar performance, was so emotional on full-time.
“No, I’m not going to tell you,” Bennett replied, clearly annoyed.
“It’s got nothing to do with you.”
Told Mitchell looked visibly upset when leaving the field, the coach continued: “He may well have been but it’s got nothing to do with you.
“The change room to me has always been a sacred place.
“Unfortunately the game gave away a lot of our rights to those places. But in my mind, it’s a place where we can go and be who want to be and don’t have to answer to anybody.”
OK, so what about the fans?
“The fans would love to know a lot of things that we don’t tell them, OK,” Bennett continued. “They won’t be disappointed. They will understand my position.”
When asked to at least confirm if the incident involved something that took place on field, the South Sydney boss shot back: “Mate, I’ve just explained it to you.
“Keep asking the questions but I’m not going to answer them because I’ve got no more to say on it.”
CONTROVERSY CORNER
Bennett’s decision not to speak finished an incredible night for Mitchell, which late in the game also saw him chase Warriors hooker Wayde Egan, seemingly upset with what appeared to be hands in his face while being tackled.
The Bunnies fullback could also face sanction from the Match Review Committee after an apparent high shot on Warriors winger David Fusitua – who never returned after halftime following a failed HIA.
Six minutes from the break, Fusitu’a appeared to be hit high as he stepped back infield off his right foot at the tryline, dropping to the ground and then losing the Steeden.
While the incident was not penalised by referee Matt Cecchin, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney was clearly unimpressed, saying afterwards: “I didn’t know you could hit the head of player”.
Kearney also defended Egan against suggestions of eye-gouging Mitchell.
“Wayde Egan, he’s as good as they come,” he said.
“So I couldn’t imagine that being the case. No way in the world. Kid from Lithgow, he’s a good lad.”
BUNNIES HEARTACHE
The night was also an incredibly tough one for young bench Tom Amone, who left the field with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Certainly it was a far better result for Souths No.6 Cody Walker, who in his 100th game scored one try, grubbered for another, even spent 10 minutes in the sin bin for a professional foul.
The win, in front of 436 fans at Bankwest Stadium, is also the first time this season coach Wayne Bennett’s side have secured consecutive wins.
WARRIORS WOES
Geez, the Warriors made some clangers in this one.
Like in the first half when, with the scores locked 6-all, and the Aucklanders butchered two tries in as many sets.
Worse, the second was an intercept to Bunnies winger Dane Gagai, who ran 90m, was tackled, earned a penalty – which saw Kodi Nikorima binned – and then, Souths try.
Truly, within the space of 60 seconds the Warriors not only cost themselves a 12 point swing, but a playmaker.
Which, of course, is tough to see. Especially given how much this mob of New Zealanders is giving up to keep the NRL alive.
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HONOURABLE MENTION
With COVID-19 restrictions, there are plenty of ways to go crazy this weekend.
But, please, take the time to buy a beanie.
You know the ones.
Plain black, animal print, doesn’t matter.
Just be sure to support the Mark Hughes Foundation because you know it’s right.