NRL block ‘loophole’ amid Latrell Mitchell suspension claims

The NRL has come to a decision on whether a push for Latrell Mitchell to serve a one-game suspension on Friday night will be allowed.

Latrell Mitchell is hoping to serve a one-game ban on Friday night. Picture: Justin Lloyd

NRL boss Andrew Abdo denies there’s a “loophole” in league rules as a push from South Sydney to allow star Latrell Mitchell to serve a one-game suspension in the final round of the season was denied.

Mitchell was given the one-game ban for bringing the game into disrepute following an NRL investigation after the star fullback was pictured with a white powder in a Dubbo hotel room last month.

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He needed to be fully cleared by South Sydney medical staff and available for selection for the ban to be served.

South Sydney engaged three separate doctors to supply evidence that Mitchell, who suffered a foot injury in round 18 and hasn’t played since, was fit to play in Friday night’s clash with the Roosters.

Two weeks ago interim coach Ben Hornby ruled Mitchell out for the season, before the suspension was handed down by the NRL. On Tuesday Mitchell didn’t train with his teammates, limited to riding an exercise bike.

On Wednesday morning in Melbourne, Abdo denied Souths had found a loophole and said the NRL would weigh-up the medical evidence presented by the Rabbitohs.

On Wednesday afternoon the decision was made to deny the request, and Mitchell will now miss returning coach Wayne Bennett’s first game in charge next season.

Latrell Mitchell had to front the South Sydney board after the white-powder incident Picture: Justin Lloyd

In asserting the NRL’s position on the matter, Abdo called the situation “unique” but denied the club was exploiting any loopholes in the rules.

“We’re working with and liaising with the club,” he said.

“We want to make sure we satisfy ourselves that he is fit before we make that decision, so we’re having a look at that at the moment, and we haven’t finalised that yet.

“It’s an unusual situation. It doesn’t happen that often. I don’t think it’s a loophole.

“All suspensions should be served when the players are fit and available to play, so he’s actually missing a match, particularly if the suspensions occurred prior to the injury occurring.

In addition to his ban, Mitchell was given $20,000 fines by both the NRL and the Rabbitohs over the white-powder saga.