Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has urged Latrell Mitchell to focus on South Sydney's pre-season training with the Rabbitohs star set to take part in the First Nations Knockout. South Sydney has given Mitchell the green light to play in the annual event for his home town Taree, which will take place on the first weekend of October, before the NRL season officially concludes. Mitchell's cameo at the Koori Knockout last year initially left Meninga "surprised" after South Sydney informed the national coach he would be unavailable to represent Australia due to a finger injury. Fast-forward a year and Mitchell's fitness has again hogged the headlines as Souths launched a push for the fullback to serve his suspension for the white powder picture during last Friday night's clash with the Sydney Roosters. The club submitted evidence from three doctors that the fullback was fit to play, after suffering a foot injury earlier in the year, but the NRL did not budge and ruled the star player will serve his suspension in round one next year. Even though Mitchell played a pivotal role in helping NSW level the State of Origin series in game two, Meninga said the Indigenous star wasn't a realistic option to appear for the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships. "He just hasn't played any footy really (to be considered)," Meninga told SEN radio. "In my mind, it's important that he gets himself fit and healthy, apparently he's going to play in our First Nations knockouts, but I think he needs a really good off-season. "Let's hope and pray that he has an injury-less season and plays really well." While Mitchell has committed to play in the local competition, Souths boss Blake Solly has reportedly requested a meeting with the NRL after being left confused by the star's suspension for the 2025 season. The First Nations Knockout will be hosted in Bathurst this year and will take place on NRL grand final weekend. Mitchell represented Newcastle Yowies in 2023.
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