NRL to investigate Latrell Mitchell “white powder” photo

South Sydney are in the news for all the wrong reasons again this season. A picture of Rabbitohs’ star fullback Latrell Mitchell leaning over a table with an apparent white powder on it emerged over the weekend. The NRL is now investigating the picture and Mitchell’s conduct.  

Latrell Mitchell’s “white powder” photo 

A leaked photograph emerged over the weekend of Rabbitohs’ Latrell Mitchell and a white powder. The grainy photo shows the 27-year-old fullback in casual dress bent over a table with an unknown white powder just below his face.  
 
It’s unknown where or when this picture was taken. Some NRL reports claim it was taken just after Mitchell took part in a coaching clinic in Dubbo over the weekend.  
 
Mitchell is currently out injured. He has not played for Souths since before the last State of Origin match last month.  
 
Mitchell has previously spoken about the pressure of being a professional rugby league player. He revealed in June he nearly retired due to the constant criticism.  
 
“I just feel like a lot of people hate me and they don't know me,” Mitchell said. 
 
“A lot of people hate me to make me the villain all the time so I tend to shut the doors on who I am as a person. That's how I am at the moment… 
 
“The way I act on the field is a bit of frustration from off the field. Acting out, it's not the way to play footy. It's not the game I love.  
  
“These short bursts of anger. That's not me. That's what just builds up over time or over the week or a month or a year of people just constantly at me,” the star fullback added.  
 
Mitchell has yet to comment on the white powder photo. 

Rabbitohs confirm picture 

While Mitchell is staying silent, South Sydney have stated that they are aware of the photo. 
 
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been made aware of a photograph circulating through social media of Latrell Mitchell following a personal appearance in Dubbo on the weekend,” the club said in a statement on Monday.  
 
For Rabbitohs, this is about as bad of news as they could get to end the season. Many betting sites had the Rabbitohs as near locks to qualify for the finals series this season. Instead, the club have been strong contenders for the Wooden Spoon.  
 
Any long-term suspension for Mitchell could derail the start of Rabbitohs next season.  

NRL opens investigation 

At the end of South Sydney’s statement, the club revealed that they had reported the matter to the NRL Integrity Unit.  
 
“The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the photograph. The Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage,” the statement said.  
 
We now know that the league is investigating Mitchell and the photo. They will be investigating whether or not the powder was an illegal substance. Mitchell will also be given the chance to explain himself. 

It’s unclear when the NRL will announce their findings. Either way, it’s unlikely Mitchell plays at all this season. The foot injury he suffered in Round 18 is expected to keep him out through the rest of the 2024 NRL season.