Latrell Mitchell ‘white substance’ ban to be served in 2025

South Sydney’s bid for Latrell Mitchell to serve his ‘white substance’ suspension immediately has been rejected by the NRL. SEE THE NRL RULING HERE

Latrell Mitchell will be forced to serve his one-match suspension for the white substance scandal next year after the NRL on Friday informed South Sydney they could not count their Round 27 game as his ban.

On Friday the NRL informed South Sydney Rabbitohs that Latrell Mitchell will not serve his suspension in Round 27.

In the ruling the NRL stated that, “Based on information provided, the NRL is not satisfied that the player is fit and available to play in Round 27.

“The NRL sought clarification and further information from the club concerning the player’s fitness and availability to participate in the match, including a fitness assessment.

“Despite several requests, this was not provided in the time required to make a proper and informed assessment of the player’s fitness to participate in the match this evening.

“The player will serve the one-match suspension when he is fit and available to play in the 2025 NRL season.”

Souths remain in talks with lawyers and the players union over the situation and it is understood they are ready to continue the fight on behalf of their star fullback.

NRL 2024 RD18 Parramatta Eels v South Sydney Rabbitohs – Latrell Mitchell. Picture: NRL Photos

MITCHELL’S INSTAGRAM BID REJECTED

Mitchell took to his Instagram account only hours after the Rabbitohs’ brawl with the NRL over their star player dramatically escalated when the club sought legal advice amid a request from head office for more information in relation to their star fullback’s training workload.

The NRL also requested that Mitchell be put through a 45-minute fitness test under the watchful eye of an independent trainer.

“I’m ready to play,” Mitchell wrote.

“I need some answers NRL.”

The Rabbitohs provided evidence from two orthopaedic surgeons as well as their long-time doctor Andrew McDonald in a bid to have Mitchell serve a one-match ban this weekend against the Sydney Roosters.

Latrell Mitchell via his Instagram.

However, they were stunned to receive an email on Wednesday afternoon informing them that their initial submission was not enough to declare Mitchell fit and ready to play on Friday night.

It is understood the NRL asked for further information including evidence of Mitchell’s training workloads and information related to any fitness test carried out by the club. This masthead was also told the NRL wanted an independent trainer to carry out a 45-minute fitness test on Mitchell.