NRL 2024: Latrell Mitchell fumes at hip drop inconsistency as Rabbitohs win 42-26 over Parramatta Eels

Commentators were baffled and Latrell Mitchell was left fuming after an Eels player stayed on the field for a hip drop, while the Rabbitohs fullback was given marching orders for his own.

Latrell Mitchell has made himself available for the State of Origin opener but faces a nervous wait after the South Sydney superstar was sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle on Sean Russell that will be scrutinised by the match review committee following his side’s drought-breaking 42-26 win over the Eels.

With centres dropping like flies in recent weeks, Mitchell had emerged as a genuine chance to fight his way back into the side for the first time since 2021 after a calf injury kept him out of last year’s series.

NRL Round 12 2024: Rabbitohs win 42-26 over Eels. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Rabbitohs fullback hasn’t been at his brilliant best since returning from suspension a few weeks ago and could be ruled out of the Origin opener if he’s charged and suspended.

“I’m not focused on that. I just want to go and see the boys and enjoy the win,” Mitchell said after the game, declaring he’s “100 per cent” available as Ben Hornby answered a question on selection.

Mitchell had one of his better games for the season with three try assists on a night he was shifted into the halves in the second half after Jack Wighton failed an HIA, with Hornby endorsing his star fullback as well as Cody Walker who missed the win with a calf injury.

“All our players are available. If NSW want them, they’re there,” the interim coach said.

“I’m expecting Latrell and Cody to make the team. I think they’re good enough players and they’ve shown before they should make the team.

“I know who I wouldn’t want to be playing against if I was playing.”

Queensland’s Valentine Holmes was also sent to the sin bin for a hip drop on Friday night but avoided a ban with a grade one charge.

Jack Wighton was forced from the field after a head knock and failed his HIA. Picture: NRL Imagery

That wasn’t the only hip-drop drama on Saturday night with Eels forward Joe Ofahengaue inexplicably allowed to stay on the field for a tackle on Sean Keppie that was much worse than Mitchell’s.

The rugby league gods took their revenge with Keppie diving on a Damien Cook grubber a minute later to score his first try for the club, with the former Origin hooker also crossing to go with two assists.

PAIN AND WAYNE

They won the race for Wayne Bennett’s signature, and the Rabbitohs wrapped up the Interim Coach Cup to pick up just their second win of the season as they try to work their way off the bottom of the table.

It’s been a miserable year for South Sydney fans, but the modest crowd had plenty to cheer about as they raced out to a 22-0 lead and then survived an onslaught either side of halftime.

Supporters will be hoping it’s the start of a mini revival 12 months after they headed into Indigenous Round on top of the table, only to lose to Parramatta, miss the top eight, start 2024 poorly and then sack their coach.

There were encouraging signs on Saturday with their middles feasting on the Eels early with Keaon Koloamatangi having his best game of the year with two tries and 188 metres.

“I don’t want to say it, but there’s no pressure at the moment for us as players,” Mitchell said.

“We just want to have fun and build the weeks and enjoy it.”

It’s been a miserable year for Souths fans, but the Rabbitohs showed some moments of brilliance as they piled 42 points on Parramatta. Picture: Getty Images

NOT ALL BRAD

It’s becoming clearer by the day that Brad Arthur wasn’t the main problem at Parramatta and that things look set to get a lot worse before they get better.

The Eels are in free fall and their opening 20 minutes under interim coach Trent Barrett were putrid with their middles unable to contain the Rabbitohs.

Things improved with Blaize Talagi continuing his solid form, while Maika Sivo produced a nice play to set up Sean Russell.

But they are stuck in the bottom four and that’s bad news for their starting props with Junior Paulo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard not doing enough to win back their NSW jerseys.

CYA SLATER

Alex Johnston has joined Billy Slater in second spot on the all-time list after the veteran Rabbitohs winger crossed for the 190th try of his career with his customary four-pointer at Accor Stadium.

The 29-year-old hasn’t been as prolific this season but now only trails Ken Irvine who scored 212 tries throughout his glittering career. Johnston still has plenty of time on his side and should break the record if he stays fit.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Latrell Mitchell fumes at hip drop inconsistency as Rabbitohs win 42-26 over Parramatta Eels