NRL 2022: Why Latrell Mitchell wasn’t at training and what it means for Friday’s game against old side

Latrell Mitchell wasn’t at training, but his South Sydney teammates are confident he’ll return for Friday’s game against the Roosters.

The Rabbitohs are confident Latrell Mitchell will be there to take on his former side the Roosters in Friday’s blockbuster battle at the new Allianz Stadium.

Mitchell wasn’t at training on Tuesday morning, with teammates revealing he’s headed to his farm in northern NSW to recharge his batteries ahead of the finals.

“I think he’s just up on the farm,” Cam Murray said.

“He’s kicking back up there having a bit of time off. As far as I know, he’ll be fit and ready to go for the clash.”

The superstar fullback has played in all nine South Sydney games since he came back from the US and would be a huge inclusion as the Bunnies look to secure a home final.

South Sydney’s attack has been on fire with Latrell Mitchell back in the team. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“Everyone (needs a break) but especially Latrell,” Murray said.

“He’s had a different year this year. He had that injury early and then went over to America and got himself right mentally and physically.

“He’s been up there as one of the best players in the comp for the past couple of months. It’s good for him to have a bit of a freshen-up before a couple of big games.”

While Mitchell is expected to be named on Tuesday, it remains unclear whether hooker Damien Cook will be in the squad as he continues to recover from Covid-19.

The State of Origin rake tested positive to the virus on Saturday and missed Souths’ win over the Cowboys.

Damien Cook is unlikely to be picked. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“I think so,” Murray replied when asked if the team would be full strength this week.

“I’m not sure about Cooky’s status, but as far as I know, most of the boys are playing except for Cooky.

If Cook is unavailable then Siliva Havili is expected to be named in the No.9 jersey again for Friday’s clash.

The Tongan international started his career as a dummy-half but has developed into a wrecking ball middle forward off the bench this season.

“I did a bit of nine on the field today so I’ll fill in if I have to,” Havili said.

“It’s different to the middle where I usually play. Obviously, I’m not a Cooky myself, so the game plan is a little different to how I play compared to Cooky, but I still enjoy playing hooker.

“He’s a bit more dynamic and he’s always a running threat. He’s also fitter and plays 80 minutes, so there’s a big difference.”

Siliva Havili may have to play 80 minutes again this week. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The idea of resting players this week has been a hot topic, with the Panthers expected to field a weakened side for their trip to Townsville, but Murray says developing and maintaining combinations is crucial with the finals a week away.

“You’ve seen over the past few weeks how important it is to get key players in the right positions so you can build combinations and confidence,” the skipper said.

“I think we’ve gone from one strength to the next when we’ve had close to our full-strength side there, so coming up into some big games over the next few weeks, I think it’s important to get some practice there with key players.

“You always want to perform at your best and you always want your best players out there.”

Souths would leapfrog the Roosters into sixth with a win on Friday, while they can also finish as high as fifth if the Storm beat the Eels.

The Rabbitohs have won four matches in a row against their biggest rivals, and there’s every chance they could face them again in the first week of the finals if the Eels win.

“I’m not sure if there’s a great importance on who has a home final or not. It’s always nice to beat the Roosters,” Murray said.

“It’s not too hard to get up for the rivals across the ditch. We’ve always been up for it, we’ve always been ready and we’ve got the mentality that it’s going to be no different this week.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Why Latrell Mitchell wasn’t at training and what it means for Friday’s game against old side