NRL 2024: South Sydney medicos declare Latrell Mitchell fit to serve one-match NRL ban in round 27

Two independent medicos have declared South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell fit to serve his one-game ban over the white substance scandal against the Sydney Roosters in the final round of the season.

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

Just before midday on Tuesday, only hours before South Sydney were due to name their team for their round 27 clash against arch rivals the Sydney Roosters, Latrell Mitchell posted an image on his social media account accompanied by three words.

They simply read: “Reset. Restart. Refocus.” By day’s end on Tuesday, Mitchell and Souths were still waiting to hear whether that was the case. Whether he could indeed reset, restart and refocus.

As promised, Souths had filed paperwork with the NRL including medical evidence that their star player was fit to be selected this weekend and therefore able to serve a one-match ban over the white substance scandal.

Souths, and Mitchell, had gone to great lengths to do so. Long-time club doctor Andrew McDonald was well versed in Mitchell’s progress after he suffered a Lisfranc injury to his foot in July, having presided over his recovery and rehabilitation.

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

Souths, however, wanted to present a compelling case given the controversy surrounding the prospect of him serving a suspension when he hadn’t played for months due to the foot problem that decimated his season.

So they sent Mitchell to see two separate orthopaedic surgeons on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. They wanted to eliminate any suggestions of shenanigans and in the process silence some of the doubters who had used the situation to sharpen their focus on the club and their disappointing season.

It is understood Mitchell underwent additional scans and exercises with both doctors and their reports were included in the paperwork that was submitted to the NRL. From there, it seemed a formality.

Souths sat back and played a waiting game. They had already been advised not to name Mitchell in their side for the game against the Roosters given he would have been ineligible to play anyway.

Latrell Mitchell posts to Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Mitchell was, however, at training on Tuesday morning. He didn’t take part in the field session but did some work inside before taking a seat on a stationary bike on the sideline. As always, all eyes were on the Rabbitohs’ highest-paid player.

Mitchell went through the motions and the waiting game went on. The confirmation Mitchell and Souths were waiting for never arrived, although it is understood there was nothing sinister behind the delay.

Rather, the NRL had enough on their plate and there was no real need to rush confirmation that Mitchell would serve his suspension given the game against the Roosters was still days ago.

Still, from Souths and the NRL’s perspective it would have been nice to bring the matter to a close given it has lingered like a dark cloud over the club and code, not to mention Mitchell, for the best part of three weeks.

The Mitchell drama has been a millstone around the Rabbitohs’ neck, heightening tension between the club and head office. The players union had also become involved, campaigning for Mitchell to serve his suspension the moment the sanctions were confirmed by the NRL.

Mitchell had accepted them last week – as well as a one game ban he received a $20,000 fine – and if the Rugby League Players Association had their way, he would likely have been suspended for the club’s game against Penrith last weekend.

The NRL, however, had other ideas. Their view was that they had discretion to rule that Mitchell should serve his ban when he was deemed fit to play. Hence the request for Souths to provide medical evidence to support that he was available to make his return this weekend.

That has now happened, albeit after Souths provided evidence from three medical experts that Mitchell could have played this weekend had he been selected.

Rather than play against his former club, Mitchell is expected to serve the one-match ban he received after being photographed last month in a Dubbo hotel room standing over a white substance.

As well as receiving a $20,000 fine from head office, Mitchell was fined $100,000 – $80,000 of which was suspended – by the Rabbitohs over the white substance scandal.

The hope is that confirmation from the NRL will finally arrive on Wednesday. Then, and only then, will Mitchell be able to reset, restart and refocus.

Originally published as NRL 2024: South Sydney medicos declare Latrell Mitchell fit to serve one-match NRL ban in round 27