Latrell Mitchell injury takes gloss off South Sydney rout of Parramatta

How do you beat a premiership heavyweight by 38-0 in a scintillating performance yet walk away feeling gutted?

Campbell Graham scored two tries for the Rabbitohs in their emphatic win over Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

How do you beat a premiership heavyweight by 38 points in a scintillating performance yet walk away feeling gutted?

When your star player is injured and told he may not play again this year.

South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell sustained a grade three hamstring strain against Parramatta on Thursday night and will miss between four to six weeks.

The Rabbitohs have just four regular rounds to play.

Mitchell’s injury came as Souths embarrassed and then buried a faltering Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium. The Eels were left red-faced and green with envy by a team on the rise.

The Rabbitohs finally made a powerful statement – they are ready to rock this year’s NRL premiership. Almost overnight, the ad lib Bunnies have transformed from also-rans to genuine contenders.

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It was spectacular stuff. It’s one thing to whack an injury-ravaged Manly 56-16 last week but something else to whack a premiership hot shot by 38-0. It was 22-0 at halftime and Parramatta was jeered from the field by irate fans.

It was the first time this year Souths have beaten a team above them on the competition ladder, let alone a top-four side.

Mitchell’s injury came in the 50th minute when teammate Jaxson Paulo accidentally dived on his leg in attempting to prevent a (later disallowed) Dylan Brown try. The winger’s weight landed on Mitchell’s hamstring.

The star fullback is expected to have scans on Friday morning.

Souths halfback Adam Reynolds had a night out with two assists in an eye-catching first-half performance, while adding one himself in the second.

Mitchell and teammate Cody Walker were also brilliant – X-factors that would worry any side. The Rabbitohs scored four tries in the opening 32 minutes. Victory has pushed Souths to 20 competition points and in the frame to secure a top-four spot.

The win comes days after Souths coach Wayne Bennett said: “We need to show everyone we can be a real chance in play-offs.”

They certainly did that and the rout was completed with star backs Dane Gagai, Alex Johnston, Braidon Burns and James Roberts absent. Souths have won five on the trot and have set up a massive match against Melbourne next week at ANZ Stadium.

Parramatta’s season is spluttering.

The Eels attack looked pedestrian and their defence was brittle against a side with a fearless flair. And ensuring their night worsened, Brown came off in the second half with an ankle injury.

Phil Gould told Nine during the week: “(Parramatta) is not in the title race at the moment, they’re kidding themselves if they think they are.”

Too true Gus.

The Daily Telegraph