The NRL could be headed for a legal showdown with the Rabbitohs after making a final decision that Latrell Mitchell will have to serve his ban in 2025. The NRL requested more information about Mitchell's fitness from Souths earlier this week after rejecting their initial application for him to take the ban this weekend.
The league wanted an independent fitness test conducted to determine if Mitchell would theoretically be able to play against the Roosters on Friday night, which Souths wanted to use for his one-game suspension for the 'white powder' photo. But the NRL announced on Friday morning that Souths hadn't responded to that request, and determined that Mitchell won't be allowed to take the ban until next season.
"The NRL has informed South Sydney Rabbitohs that Latrell Mitchell will not serve his suspension in round 27," an NRL spokesperson said. "Based on information provided, the NRL is not satisfied that the player is fit and available to play in round 27.
"The NRL sought clarification and further information from the club concerning the player's fitness and availability to participate in the match, including a fitness assessment. Despite several requests, this was not provided in the time required to make a proper and informed assessment of the player's fitness to participate in the match this evening. The player will serve the one-match suspension when he is fit and available to play in the 2025 NRL season."
Earlier this week, the Rabbitohs submitted the advice of three independent doctors to the NRL, stating that Mitchell is fit and ready to play in the hope it would allow him to serve his ban on Friday night and not next season. But the NRL went back to the club on Wednesday requesting more evidence of Mitchell's fitness, and wanted an independent fitness test undertaken.
Mitchell didn't train alongside his teammates on Thursday, and the Rabbitohs didn't believe the 27-year-old should have had to undergo another fitness test on the foot injury that has kept him out for the last two months. Souths CEO Blake Solly told AAP on Thursday that they're seeking legal advice and may take action if Mitchell isn't allowed to serve his ban this week. "We are taking legal advice on the NRL's request for further information and the proposed fitness test," Solly said.
Souths' Stance on Mitchell's Fitness
The Rabbitohs had asked the NRL for a special exemption to add him to their squad for the Roosters clash, after he wasn't named in the initial team on Tuesday. It's understood it would have been extremely unlikely for an exemption to be granted.
The Rabbitohs reportedly supplied the NRL with documentation from three medical experts as part of their submission to prove Mitchell's fitness. However, the NRL rejected their request, citing the lack of an independent fitness test.
NRL's Reasoning for Suspending the Ban
The NRL's decision has been met with criticism from some quarters, with many questioning why Mitchell's ban cannot be served in the final round of the season. The NRL has argued that Mitchell's case is different to others, given he was already out injured when he was accused of bringing the game into disrepute. The NRL also pointed out that Souths did not provide the requested independent fitness assessment in a timely manner.
Mitchell's Social Media Outburst
Mitchell himself took to Instagram on Thursday to express his frustration with the situation. "I'M READY TO PLAY, I need some answers?? @NRL." The post further fuelled the controversy, with many critics questioning why Mitchell would air his grievances on social media instead of addressing them directly with the NRL.
Criticism of Souths and Mitchell
Former South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou and former NRL star Wade Graham have both criticized the Rabbitohs and Mitchell for their handling of the suspension saga. Demetriou believes the club missed an opportunity to put the issue to bed, while Graham feels Mitchell's public airing of grievances on Instagram was unnecessary and created undue pressure.
The Impact on South Sydney
The saga has been a further blow to South Sydney, who have already endured a difficult season. The club sacked Demetriou in May after a poor start to the year, and are likely to finish the season in 15th position. The situation is also likely to further strain relations between the club and the NRL, with Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly having been a long-time critic of league bosses.
The Future for Mitchell
The NRL's decision means that Mitchell will be forced to sit out the first game of South Sydney's 2025 season under returning coach Wayne Bennett, assuming he is fit. The ban will serve as another hangover in what has been a miserable season for the Rabbitohs.
A Controversial Decision
The decision to suspend Mitchell's ban until next season has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that the NRL is right to insist that Mitchell serves his ban when he is fit to play, while others feel that the league is being too harsh on the Rabbitohs and their star fullback. Ultimately, the situation highlights the complex relationship between the NRL, the clubs, and the players, and the challenges of navigating off-field issues in a high-profile sport.
What Next for South Sydney?
South Sydney are now weighing up their next options. The club is reportedly seeking legal advice on the matter and may take further action. It remains to be seen how this saga will unfold, but it is clear that the NRL is not afraid to take a firm stance on off-field indiscretions, even if it means upsetting some of the game's biggest names.
