Mitchell banned again by the NRL
Latrell Mitchell is again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The South Sydney fullback has now been issued a three-match ban by the NRL for grade two dangerous contact after he appeared to elbow New Zealand Warriors’ Shaun Johnson in the back of the head.
Mitchell was not sent to the sin bin during the match for the action, but he has accepted his suspension. It is the third multi-week suspension of his career and his fifth overall. He was suspended most recently last season for a grade two dangerous contact charge, also for throwing an elbow.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley revealed there were actually two incidents of dangerous play by Mitchell against Warriors that the NRL reviewed. The first was an incident involving Tohu Harris. However, the discipline committee felt Mitchell took actions to prevent a dangerous fall by Harris, so no action was needed to punish the Rabbitohs fullback.
As for the Johnson incident, there was no question about Mitchell’s intent. It was ruled a grade two dangerous contact, resulting in a three-match suspension.
This ban comes amid a terrible season for Rabbitohs. They are bottom of the table and reportedly very close to sacking coach Jason Demetriou. Meetings will be held with Demetriou, Mitchell, and others this week.
Rabbitohs questioning Mitchell’s future in the NRL
Mitchell owns a farm in Taree in rural NSW. The club have reportedly requested the fullback refrain from going home to the farm during this suspension so that he can face his teammates and the club after his actions.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the club will meet with Mitchell on Tuesday. This meeting is likely to result in additional punishment for the 26-year-old. However, it could also lead to him leaving the club.
Rabbitohs’ Chief Executive Blake Solly claims the meeting was scheduled before the incident against Warriors. “Everyone at the club is invested in getting the best from Latrell on the field this season,” he said.
Phil Gould argued that this could be the end of Mitchell’s time in rugby league. “Has anyone ever sat Latrell down and said do you really want to play this game?,” Gould said.
“Has someone actually sat him down and said if you had a chance to walk away, would you go? I reckon he would. I reckon he will, I don’t see that he’s in love with it at all.”
Rabbitohs in crisis
Mitchell’s ban comes at the absolute worst time for South Sydney. Rabbitohs have won just one of their five matches so far this season. They are rooted to the bottom of the NRL table, and now, will be without one of their best players for at least three weeks.
South Sydney’s next match is this Saturday against Sharks. The betting sites have Rabbitohs down as big underdogs against Cronulla. However, the club’s higher-ups are reportedly expecting a win from South Sydney on Saturday. If they lose, Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou could be sacked.
