Latrell Mitchell targeted by ‘disgusting’ fan abuse after horror injury setback

Latrell Mitchell is one of the NRL’s most polarising figures but amid calls to protect players from poor fan behaviour he has been targeted again.

Latrell Mitchell has been targeted online following news he picked up a hamstring injury at training on Wednesday.

The fullback missed last week’s All-Stars game through suspension but was reportedly set to captain Souths in Saturday’s annual Charity Shield clash after a foot injury ended his 2024 campaign, before he suffered a devastating setback.

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While Mitchell was able to walk off the training paddock after picking up the injury on Wednesday, his history of hamstring injuries suggests his time on the sidelines could be closer to months than weeks after he was sent for scans on Thursday.

Mitchell has torn tendons in his left hamstring twice — in 2020 and 2022.

And it is another devastating blow for the fullback, who by all accounts had returned to training better than ever in 2025.

Latrell Mitchell suffered a hamstring injury at training on Wednesday. Picture: NRL Photos

However, as news spread of his latest setback, many fans online hurled disgusting abuse at the Souths star.

“You’re heading into year 6 of the Latrell Mitchell experiment and it’s been nothing but suspensions and soft tissue injuries,” one fan wrote online.

“Rumour has it that a Mr Whippy van started up its music as it went past the ground and Latrell broke stride and tore his hammy,” another added.

“Latrell bunging it on again, highest paid non-starter in the league,” a third said.

While a fourth commented: “Latrell was reportedly in the line at KFC when he pulled his hamstring.”

Latrell Mitchell was reportedly training the house down in pre-season. Photo: Rabbitohs

Cameron Murray was also injured on Wednesday but that news was met with dismay, while the update on Mitchell with glee from parts of the NRL world.

“Murray will be sorely missed. At least Mitchell can’t go missing in action if he isn’t in the action,” one fan wrote.

“So the media’s superstar and role model is injured again. Cut him loose,” another chipped in.

Others wrote “Only Cameron will be missed” and “Mitchell has become a joke”.

It comes after just last week ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys issued a public warning over the dangers of social media bullying aimed at the stars of the game, namely Mitchell.

V’landys said he would do everything he could to ensure the players were protected and not driven out of the sport.

“Latrell Mitchell is one of the great players in the game and we want him here in our game,” V’landys told Code Sports.

“We want him at his best. We can’t forget he is human at the end of the day.”

But it seems the message has not gotten through.

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell targeted by ‘disgusting’ fan abuse after horror injury setback