Latrell Mitchell stars as Rabbitohs win 20-14 over Roosters

Decimated by injury, the Rabbitohs produced the bravest performance of the season, as Latrell Mitchell made a triumphant return from injury to break the Roosters’ hearts.

Latrell Mitchell’s return to the NRL was almost ruined by a hamstring injury on Friday night. Not his own mind you, which held up just fine given it was his first game this season after his hammy gave away in the pre-season.

It was the hamstrings of Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker that succumbed at Accor Stadium and threatened to decimate the Rabbitohs’ hopes against the Sydney Roosters.

As his teammates became casualties of war, Mitchell rose to the occasion. Welcome back big fella, Souths and the game have missed you.

When the game was on the line at Accor Stadium on Friday night, Mitchell stepped up and delivered a pass for the ages to send Isaiah Tass over in the corner.

Not content with a try assist, Mitchell converted from the sideline. Souths had a six-point lead that they would hold to bitter end and Mitchell was the match-winner.

Latrell Mitchell set up the match winning try for Isaiah Tass. Picture: Getty Images

The Rabbitohs were out on their feet. They had only one player on the bench. But they had Mitchell and that was enough.

Mitchell sunk to his ground as the siren sounded. He only rose to his feet as Walker raced on to give him a hug. Plenty of hugs followed. He deserved every one of them.

He started the game in the centres after coach Wayne Bennett opted to keep Jye Gray at fullback but he finished the game in the pulling the strings given the Rabbitohs’ only fit half was Jayden Sullivan.

At times, it looked like even the mercurial Mitchell would struggle to pull Souths out of their hole. It wasn’t through lack of effort mind you. Mitchell tried hard. Perhaps too hard on occasions.

As he tried to inspire a second half comeback for his battling team, Mitchell sent a 40-20 attempt sailing over the sideline and gifted the Roosters a prime attacking opportunity.

They took advantage of it too as Siua Wong beat a poor attempt at tackle by Mitchell and handed Dom Young a saloon passage to the line.

Jamie Humphreys was forced off the field early with a hamstring injury. Picture: Getty Images

Souths wouldn’t be denied though as Sullivan got them back in the game when he speared through and sent Gray over.

Then Mitchell came up with a moment of magic as he cut out two teammates and hit the outstretched hands of Tass.

Mitchell celebrated by plating a kiss on Tass’ cheek. As he waited for the try to be confirmed, Mitchell vented his frustrations.

The video referee was stealing his moment. Stealing South Sydney’s moment. Not for long though. The green light was given and the Rabbitohs faithful were in raptures.

They hadn’t heard from Latrell all offseason. He had kept his counsel and focused on getting fit both physically and mentally for the gruelling season ahead.

Jayden Sullivan stood up in the absence of Humphreys and Cody Walker. Picture: Getty Images

When he finally got his chance to make an impact against his former club, Mitchell ran out for kickoff behind Walker and he looked in the mood.

He had a broad smile on his face, sprayed his hands, clapped them together and pumped up his teammates.

He was involved in the first tackle as he hurled Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte to the ground. In the second minute he has his first touch as he produced a flick pass for Tass, which the Roosters defended on that occasion.

At times, Mitchell had the ball on a string. On clearing kick sat up in the in goal when it looked like it would bounce over dead ball line.

The Roosters showed glimpses of brilliance but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Picture: Getty Images

A couple of short drop outs bounced only metres from his own line and took wicked turns in South Sydney’s favour.

He only had eight runs but one almost resulted in a try in the 16th minute as he jumped out of dummy half and proved too strong for three defenders - Wong, Robert Toia and on first look James Tedesco.

A second look showed Tedesco had jolted the ball from Mitchell’s grasp. He had been denied a fairytale try but he wouldn’t be denied a fairytale ending.

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell stars as Rabbitohs win 20-14 over Roosters