Comment: Latrell Mitchell needs to toe the line at Souths or head to the farm for good | Brent Read

South Sydney have backed Latrell Mitchell to the hilt - often at their own expense - but their patience has now worn thin. The superstar must repay their faith or head to the farm for good, writes BRENT READ.

Latrell Mitchell only has two options left at South Sydney. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

• Latrell cops six-figure fine

Let’s hope the penny has finally dropped for Latrell Mitchell. If it hasn’t by now, he may as well head to his beloved farm and not come back. Focus on working the cattle and forget about football.

You can debate South Sydney’s handling of Latrell - in recent weeks and recent years - but make no mistake, this is the last chance. There can be no more given the latest shenanigans involving one of the game’s genuine superstars.

The Rabbitohs have been dragged through the wringer in recent weeks as a result of Mitchell’s naivety - or stupidity depending on where you stand - after he put himself in a compromising position by being photographed standing over a white substance in a Dubbo hotel room a fortnight ago.

The Rabbitohs have backed him to the hilt - often at their own expense - but their patience has now worn thin. The loyalty they have shown needs to be reciprocated or he will be out the door. Latrell simply hasn’t been on the field enough to justify all the headaches.

Latrell Mitchell only has two options left at South Sydney. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

He hasn’t upheld the standards expected to those who represent the Pride of the League. As a result, the Rabbitohs have been in the crosshairs and their critics have been lining up to take their shot.

They are not blameless, but let’s remember we are dealing with an adult here. Latrell isn’t a kid any more. He is a 27-year-old father and husband who should know the sort of responsibility he carries not just for Souths and rugby league, but also in the indigenous community.

He is a leader and figurehead who at his best, both on and off the field, leaves an incredible impact. Too often of late, that has been lost amid the drama and negative headlines

The Latrell Mitchell I have spent time with him over the years is a man who knows he has the power to shape young minds. It is something that sits uneasily at times on his shoulders. Yet, he rarely runs from it.

If anything, he attacks it full on. Late last year, he was awarded the Ken Stephens medal by the NRL for his work in the community and his efforts to combat racism and bullying.

On Thursday, he was on the receiving end from the NRL again, albeit in the form of a fine and a one-match ban for his latest indiscretion. Many believed he got off lightly.

They point to the eight-match ban and $125,000 fine Mitchell Pearce received for his antics on Australia Day eight years ago. On that count, his critics are wrong.

Everyone in the NRL has acknowledged they erred with the Pearce penalty. They stuffed it up. So any comparison is wide of the mark.

A supplied image that alleges to show NRL Star Latrell Mitchell with a white powder substance. Picture: Supplied

The more valid parallel is the sanctions handed to Melbourne players Cameron Munster, Chris Lewis and Brandon Smith three years ago. So too North Queensland’s Valentine Holmes last year.

Mitchell’s punishment sits comfortably alongside those. Souths have weighed in with a sanction of their own which means Mitchell will be $40,000 out of pocket. It’s not exactly chump change. It’s a decent slab of cash with the threat of significantly more if he crosses the line again.

Then again, another mistake and his contract will likely be torn up. Some would argue not before time.

Originally published as Comment: Latrell Mitchell needs to toe the line at Souths or head to the farm for good | Brent Read