Latrell Mitchell trains in left centre in biggest sign yet that Jye Gray will be Rabbitohs fullback in 2026

A position change has long been touted for Souths No.1 Latrell Mitchell, with training vision revealing that Wayne Bennett might be set to pull the trigger on a switch for his star next season.

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell could be set for a permanent move to the centres next season, opening the door for Jye Gray to play fullback in 2026.

A positional switch has long been touted for the Souths’ No.1, and next season just might be the year after spending an entire ballwork session in the centres on Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, David Fifita has hit the ground running after his off-season move from the Titans, while five-eighth Cody Walker highlighted a few potential halves partners for next year.

PREDICTED ROUND ONE TEAMS

Gray had a breakout season stepping in at fullback for Mitchell in 2025, and could make the move a permanent one if Mitchell moves to the centres, a position he played in back-to-back premiership wins at the Sydney Roosters in 2018-19.

“We’ll see what happens,” Walker said about Mitchell’s potential switch to the centres.

“We haven’t spoken about that internally as yet.

Latrell Mitchell appears set for the centres in 2026. Picture: South Sydney Rabbitohs Instagram

“The pre-season’s about getting fit and putting the work in now, and I’m sure after Christmas we’ll do more game-planning on where we want to play and how we want to play.

“We haven’t really touched the ball in the last couple of weeks.”

Mitchell’s defence seems on point. A video of Mitchell and new recruit Fifita wrestling on the beach at training went viral earlier this week.

Walker admitted Mitchell got the slight upper hand in the training drill, but said Fifita, who signed a two-year deal with Souths, nevertheless has made an instant impact.

Cody Walker in training. Picture: South Sydney

“He’s been a wonderful addition to our club,” Walker said.

“He wants to work hard and he’s out there to win.

“As you could see in that beach wrestle, they went at it and it was a sight to see.

“He’s a rep player, he’s played State of Origin and has played at a decent level, so we’re just excited about having him at the club and seeing what he can bring to us.

“I’m not sure how you’d class who won (the wrestle), it’s sort of one where you have to do two or three in a row, but I think Trell won that one.

“You can only go off what he produced on the footy field and (Fifita) is putting in the work.

“He’s loud around the group and the greatest indication of wanting to win is his desire, the work and the effort he’s putting in.

Some big calls to make for South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Rabbitohs Instagram

“He’s been outstanding for us.”

Wayne Bennett must also make a decision on a starting halfback for 2026.

Jamie Humphreys appears to be the frontrunner, but the playmaker is suspended for the first two games of the season.

“There’s a few different players that could stand up over the pre-season,” said Walker.

“Jamie did a fantastic job in the number seven, he’s got a suspension at the start of the season and that opens the door for someone else.

“Someone the calibre of Bud Sullivan had a fantastic year last year and someone new to the club, Jonah Glover, and Latrell Siegwalt who’s doing a fantastic job over the pre-season.

“We’ll work that out when trials come around, but they’re doing a fantastic job.”

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell trains in left centre in biggest sign yet that Jye Gray will be Rabbitohs fullback in 2026