Latrell Mitchell Returns: Souths Star Ready to Fire in Finals Push
South Sydney are getting their superstar back just when it matters most. Latrell Mitchell has been named to make his long-awaited NRL return this Saturday against Gold Coast, a massive boost for a side desperate to lock up their first finals berth since 2022.
The powerhouse centre was named in jersey No.19 for the clash, 15 weeks after he last ran out for the Rabbitohs at Magic Round. Since then, the former NSW representative has been battling nerve damage discovered during his recovery from back and calf injuries.
Mitchell trained in rainy Sydney on Tuesday morning, working with both the rehabilitation group and the wider squad before coach Wayne Bennett added him to the team sheet. He is officially listed in the extended squad rather than on the bench, but that is only because of plans to give Jai Arrow a symbolic final two games following his retirement with motor neurone disease.
Saturday will mark Mitchell's first time starting from the bench at NRL level, a new chapter for a player who has battled injuries since joining Souths in 2020. In fact, he has played one fewer game for the Rabbitohs in seven years than he did in four years with the Sydney Roosters.
Why Mitchell's Return Matters So Much for Souths
His return comes in the nick of time. A win over the Titans would all but guarantee Souths their first finals appearance since 2022, and having a player of Mitchell's calibre back in the sheds changes everything.
He's one of those people that if he's in the sheds getting ready for the game, you feel a bit more confident about winning, said Souths fullback Matt Dufty. Obviously he's a superstar and the form he was in before he got injured is some of the best football I've seen in my whole career.
Penrith, Bulldogs, Cowboys and Warriors Team News
Elsewhere, Blaize Talagi remains out of favour at Penrith, with Jack Cole set to replace suspended five-eighth Jack Cogger for the clash against Canterbury. Perth-bound Cole could keep Talagi out of the team through finals given Cogger is due back from a three-match ban after week one. Talagi is listed on the bench.
COVID-19 has swept through the Bulldogs this past week, but no players have been ruled out with the virus as of Tuesday afternoon.
Tom Dearden is set to return from an ankle injury as North Queensland continue their push for a finals berth against Wests Tigers. The Cowboys have shifted Jaxon Purdue into the outside backs and also have Jeremiah Nanai back from a hamstring issue. But winger Murray Taulagi drops out with his latest concussion and may need longer than the standard 11-day window to recover.
Te Maire Martin has shaken off a hamstring injury to come into the halves for the Warriors' match against Newcastle. Mid-season recruit Luke Laulilii makes his club debut on the wing in place of the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
James Tedesco Racing the Clock for Roosters
James Tedesco has been named to return from his ankle injury for the Sydney Roosters' clash with the Dolphins, but remains no guarantee to play. Tedesco has not featured since leaving the 82-12 mauling of North Queensland at halftime in round 22, named and then withdrawn from the team sheet for all three games since.
The star fullback was seen walking freely at club headquarters on Tuesday, but teammates were unsure whether he would line up at Allianz Stadium.
He's our skipper, we would love to have him back out there this weekend. If not, Cody (Ramsey) no doubt will do a great job, said five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans.
When Does Latrell Mitchell Play This Weekend?
South Sydney face Gold Coast on Saturday, with Mitchell named in the extended squad. Kick-off times will be confirmed closer to the match.
Can Souths Make the Finals in 2026?
A win over the Titans would all but lock up Souths' first finals berth since 2022. With Mitchell back and the squad building momentum, the Rabbitohs are suddenly looking dangerous.
Who Else Is Returning From Injury This Round?
Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Te Maire Martin (Warriors) and James Tedesco (Roosters) are all named to return, though Tedesco remains a fitness doubt.