'Long time coming': Bennett finally calls on $700k recruit

Lewis Dodd admits it has "been a long time coming" to earn a spot in South Sydney's starting team after joining the club in the off-season. Signed on big money from the Super League, the young playmaker has been constantly overlooked by coach Wayne Bennett across the opening two months of the season. But heading into Magic Round, there was simply no choice but to insert the $700,000-a-season 23-year-old into the fray with a host of Rabbitohs playmakers sidelined due to injury. Jamie Humphreys, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton will all be out of action this weekend, with the latter suffering an injury at training after initially being named to wear the No.6 jumper against the Newcastle Knights. Speaking to media at the airport on Thursday, the former St Helens premiership winner said his time in NSW Cup and on the bench will hold him in good stead. "It's been a long time coming, it feels like," Dodd said. "I didn't think it was gonna be easy, I didn't know if it was gonna go my own way. "I wouldn't have had it any other way - it will make me a better player and better person. "At the end of the day, that's all I can ask for." The injury crisis at Redfern will also see Bennett install a new captain for the trip to Brisbane for the annual rugby league extravaganza. Jai Arrow will step into the role and gave a trademark response to the decision. "I guess I'm the last one left out of the leadership group," the ex-Origin forward said. "Someone has got to hold the fort down while the rest of them take some time off." Souths will face the Knights on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

'Lost a bunch of weight': Latrell impresses on day one

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has delighted the Rabbitohs with his fitness levels in his return from his end-of-season break on Monday. The Rabbitohs formally began the Wayne Bennett era with a group session at their Maroubra headquarters on Monday and all eyes were on Mitchell. The enigmatic superstar looked trim and terrific and had a broad smile on his face as the players went through their paces. "Wayne gave them all a warning that they better not come back overweight and clearly the message sunk in - not just with Latrell but will all of them," chief executive Blake Solly told Wide World of Sports. "But Latrell really caught the eye - he has lost a bunch of weight and is a lot fitter than at this stage last year. "It's a good sign because he finished last season with a foot injury and could have just taken it easy. "But he has clearly been working in the gym and watching what he has been eating and it is a great sign for the club." Mitchell didn't have surgery on the foot but was ordered not to run for several weeks. But he is back on light duties and the club is hoping he can now play in round one by serving his one match suspension for this season's white powder scandal in the All Stars game. Injuries restricted Mitchell to just 11 games last season - the least in his five seasons at the Rabbitohs and also the least since he burst into first grade with the Roosters in 2016. The star fullback is the key man in Souths' finals bid in 2025 after the club experienced a horror season this year.

Meninga's message to Latrell amid surprise footy return

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.

South Sydney move closer to controversial move as Latrell Mitchell set for massive injury backflip

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly pushing to prove Latrell Mitchell's fitness this weekend so he can serve his one-game ban before the start of next season. Mitchell copped a one-game ban and a $20,000 fine from the NRL after bringing the game into disrepute after the photo leak scandal. Mitchell has not played in the NRL since July after injuring his foot and it appeared he wouldn't return with South Sydney already out of finals contention. Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby had previously declared that Mitchell wouldn't play again this season due to a foot injury and his conditioning, which meant he'd have to serve the ban in 2025. However, The Daily Telegraph have reported the Rabbitohs reached out to the NRL to seek further clarification on how to prove Mitchell can play in the round 27 clash against the Roosters. Mitchell underwent further examination to prove his fitness and South Sydney are preparing their case to prove Mitchell is fit to play this weekend. Fans have already expressed their frustration with the Mitchell saga with many feeling the 26-year-old shouldn't be able to serve his ban in 2024 having already been ruled out for the season by the coach. While Mitchell was expected to miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury, Hornby also recently backflipped on his claim the $1.2 million fullback would be out until next year. The South Sydney coach claimed there was an "outside chance" he would play against the Roosters in a dead-rubber game for the Rabbitohs. “Obviously (he’s) still got a bit of a process there to go through. So he is just trying to tick the boxes," Hornby said on Friday.

Why Latrell should be 'dirty' as Bunnies penalty looms

Paul Gallen has put South Sydney on blast and says Latrell Mitchell should be "dirty" if the club tries to impose a monetary fine or suspension on him.Gallen doubled down on his criticism of the Rabbitohs after first accusing the club of not dealing with Mitchell properly on Monday night's 100% Footy. Mitchell fronted the club board last week after an image was leaked of him bent over a table with what appears to be a white substance in front of him. The photo was allegedly taken in a Dubbo hotel room the weekend prior. Mitchell remains sidelined with a foot injury and will not play again this season. It is the latest indiscretion for the Bunnies superstar, who is reportedly earning $1.2 million a season from the NRL club. "I'm not trying to bag Latrell here... he put himself in a situation he probably shouldn't have been in, he's got to accept responsibility for that," Gallen said on Wide World of sports' 2GB radio on Tuesday. "But this is just a vicious circle, this is what happens every time - he does something silly or says something silly, gets suspended, does something stupid, the whole world jumps on him. "Then he comes back, plays football the way we all know he can play, becomes the best player in the game, does crazy things that other people can't do, then all of a sudden what do we want to do? We want to interview him again. "So we interview him again, the media get involved, we start asking him about this and that and then Latrell says things like 'I'll do what I want, I'll say how I want'... then what happens, it's like a vicious circle." Gallen says the onus needs to be on South Sydney. "I don't mind if he says that, but privately someone at the South Sydney club - the captain or the coach - is getting hold of him and telling him the way it should be, but I don't think that happens at South Sydney," Gallen said.

Latrell's back on top

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell's career hit rock bottom when he was suspended earlier this season. The Rabbitohs lost their way in the finals race, coach Jason Demetriou was sacked and Latrell copped plenty from the critics. But the suspension, time away from the game and some soul-searching appears to have brought out the best in the enigmatic fullback. Since his return, Latrell has scored six tries for Souths and won a recall to State of Origin football, scoring a try in the Blues' big win in Melbourne. Souths are on a five-game winning streak, playing very much like a finals team, and Latrell has 12 try assists in his last six games along with his own tryscoring feats. The brilliant fullback was at his devastating best in the gritty win over the Eels on Thursday night, destroying the Parra defence and proving the difference. His time away from the game gave him time to reset and the Bunnies, but that revival has all come to a screeching halt after picking up a foot injury. Just when the Blues and Bunnies needed him most.

'Downside' to Latrell recall after 'moment of madness'

Desperate times call for desperate measures - and Blues coach Michael Maguire has decided to roll the dice on Latrell Mitchell in a gamble that could decide Origin. Latrell was brilliant in South Sydney's 22-12 win over the Broncos on Friday night, clinching selection with a powerhouse attacking game - scoring a try, having a try assist, running for 175 metres with five tackle busts. But the fiery fullback found himself in the sin bin after a moment of madness and that is the downside with the dynamic Bunny. Latrell can be easily baited and in the likes of Harry Grant and Lindsay Collins, Queensland have players capable of pushing his buttons. In the pressure-cooker Origin atmosphere, everyone is on edge and it doesn't take much to start a flare-up that could leave a team a man short. Queensland coach Billy Slater is only too aware of Latrell's short fuse and is certain to give his players a license to test the star utility's discipline next Wednesday night.

Mitchell 'Mixed Bag'

Latrell Mitchell was a mixed bag as Souths went from a winning position to being well and truly outclassed by the Sea Eagles. Having conceded an intercept try at a vital time, Latrell could have dropped his head - it's something he has done in the past. But instead he lifted, scoring a super solo try and setting up another for Alex Johnson to put Souths back together again before they fell apart late in the game. For Souths, Latrell's reaction to a bad error was one big plus on a disappointing night.

'I can't wait': Beaming Latrell's ominous message

Latrell Mitchell has given Manly an ominous warning in the lead-up to Sunday's big Vegas showdown, declaring he is preparing for the game of his life. Mitchell has played in grand finals and State of Origins - but sees this trailblazing game in the USA as a whole new level. "It's Vegas baby - the most happening city in the world - look at all these lights," he beamed as we chatted on the famous Vegas Strip. "This is the entertainment capital of the world and I can't wait. What a thing to add to your resume - playing here! "The build-up has been superb - everyone is embracing it and I'm ready for the game of my life. "It's going to be huge - what a way to start the season - and the boys are all pumped." But Mitchell admits to a touch of homesickness despite his excitement, with his partner Brielle Mercy giving birth to the couple's first son recently. "I miss the family and at the end of the day I'm an Aussie country boy," he said. "But we are all in the same boat - we will enjoy ourselves while we are here - get the job done and then go home to our loved ones." The players head to train at Allegiant Stadium - which hosted the recent Super Bowl - on Friday (AEDT) and Mitchell is eager to test the shorter field. "They say it is world class and training on it will help get my bearings," he said. "We have been training with the shorter dimensions and they don't worry me… but the wingers might not get as many tries as they are used to," he added with a laugh.

Latrell Mitchell handed huge captaincy honour amid ugly dramas at South Sydney

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has been handed the captaincy for the first time in his career for the Indigenous All Stars match on Friday night. The 26-year-old fullback says it is an honour that "means everything" to him. Mitchell's Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walker was set to captain the side against the Maori All Stars but pulled out with injury, granting Mitchell the opportunity to lead out the team in Townsville. "This means everything to me. To lead my people is an honour that I don't take lightly both on and off the field," Mitchell said. Indigenous All Stars coach Ronald Griffiths said after Walker had to pull out of the All Stars match, Mitchell was the obvious choice to lead the Indigenous team. "Latrell is a pillar in our community and his work away from the limelight is unheralded ... a magical player who will go to the nth degree to make sure the All Stars camp is a success and leave a lasting impact in the community," he said. Mitchell has Biripi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Gumbaynggirr heritage. This will be his sixth All Stars match since 2017.

Joey, Freddy slap down Gus' Latrell suggestion

Phil Gould has called for South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou to move Latrell Mitchell back to the centres in a bid to rectify the Rabbitohs' stalling season.But Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have flatly rejected that idea as the Rabbitohs eye a clash with the Dragons in Cairns on Saturday, in which they'll be desperate to retain their position in the top eight."He's a dynamic centre," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast."He's a dynamic fullback when he puts his mind to it, when the game goes his way."He's got to force himself on the play a little bit more than he does if they want to beat the top sides."The game against the Dragons will mark Mitchell's third match since his return from the calf injury that ruled him out of the entire State of Origin series.He had little impact in his side's 26-16 loss to the Sharks in Perth last Saturday, although it must be noted that hardly a shot was fired by anyone in a red and green jumper over the first hour of the match, which saw Cronulla burst out to a 20-0 lead.Mitchell's career has produced spectacular moments at fullback and in the centres, where he still plays for the Blues and Kangaroos, but his drifting in and out of games has long drawn criticism.If Mitchell was to be moved to the centres, Blake Taaffe — who's worn the No.1 Rabbitohs jumper on a host of occasions — would slot in at fullback.However, Taaffe will be swapping Rabbitohs colours for the Bulldogs strip at the end of the season, having signed a two-year deal with Canterbury."When he does things that are so brilliant we want to see more of it," Gould said of Mitchell."That's where it is. So we're anticipating or thinking he can do more of it. He's kind of a little bit like a Ferrari; he waits for his moment, he waits for his time and he conserves energy until he can sense the moment."And he does that very, very well, but he needs to do more if they're going to beat the top sides."When the idea of Mitchell being shifted from fullback to the centres was put to Johns and Fittler on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth, the former Blues and Kangaroos teammates shut it down immediately."It's hard without front-rowers ... Everything comes off the back of your front-rowers, but not only that; your wingers get your sets rolling off kick returns," Johns said.

Get in their faces

This column has mentioned before that if you get into the Rabbitohs' faces and rattle their main men, they are vulnerable.And Cronulla used that blueprint to score their crucial 26-16 win over the Bunnies in Perth.The loss could cost Souths a finals spot, and on the display in the west they don't deserve to be there.Marquee players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker weren't given any time or space and their frustration was there for all to see.It was a massive win for the Sharks, with the final score of 26-16 flattering the Bunnies. The win ended a three game losing run and puts the Sharks back on track for a finals berth.

Rabbitohs Real Key Man

Latrell Mitchell's comeback gave Souths' title hopes a big boost in Tamworth, but make no mistake, Cam Murray is the man who can get the Bunnies through to the big end of season games.While Latrell and Cody Walker have the X-factor to lay on tries, Murray is the Energiser Bunny.He was at it again against the Tigers, scoring a try, running for 147 metres and making 34 tackles.Murray is also proving a fine leader with a cool head who can calm down some of the Rabbitohs players who can get baited in big games and his influence on the team cannot be understated.

Rabbitohs negotiate release for Latrell's cousin

The Rabbitohs have negotiated an immediate release for promising centre Ethan Ferguson - the cousin of Latrell Mitchell - from the Knights.Wide World of Sports reported last month that Ferguson, a talented Jersey Flegg outside back, had signed with the Rabbitohs for next season.But the Bunnies are keen to work on Ferguson for the future, and he will play the next few months in the lower grades before spending the off season with the club preparing for a top 30 spot on a fulltime development contract.

Latrell fill-in fires

There's only one Latrell Mitchell - but the Bunnies are fortunate indeed to have a wonderful back-up in youngster Blake Taaffe.Souths looked in all sorts of trouble on the Gold Coast, down 12-0 early with Latrell watching from the sidelines.But Taaffe produced one of the best games of his short career to lead the Rabbitohs to a commanding 46-28 victory.The pint-sized utility shone at fullback, having a hand in two tries, running for more than 100 metres and booting seven goals for good measure.Souths believe Latrell will be back next week - but Taaffe should revert to the bench where he is becoming something of a 'super sub'.

NSW rocked after bombshell Latrell Mitchell news

New South Wales star Latrell Mitchell has sensationally been ruled out of State of Origin Game I after suffering a calf injury during training. Mitchell was one of the definite selections from Brad Fittler this year having been in remarkable form for the high-flying Rabbitohs to start the 2023 season.However, the Rabbitohs fullback has gone down with a calf injury during Blues training and has been ruled out of the game on Wednesday. There is no timeline on his return with NRL Physio Brien Seeney claimed a low grade calf injury will rule him out for 1-3 weeks, which could see him return for Game II.Penrith ace Stephen Cricthon will come into the centres for Mitchell and Bulldogs' Matt Burtton will enter the squad as 18th man. This followes Rabbitohs teammate Campbell Graham also pulling out of the squad.“Mitchell sustained the injury at training and scans later revealed a strain which would prevent him playing,” a statement from NSW Rugby League read. “Mitchell will be replaced by 18th man Stephen Crichton and did not travel with the team to Adelaide today.”Crichton moves into the centres having played all three games last year in the series loss. The NRL world was quick to react to the Blues' devastating blow as they lose one of their most in-form stars only a few days out from the clash.

Rabbitohs poach Latrell's teen star cousin from Knights

Souths have signed one of the brightest young centres in rugby league - and he just happens to be a cousin of Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell.Ethan Ferguson, aged 19, hails from Taree and represented the Australian Schoolboys last year.The youngster is a Newcastle junior and played in the club's SG Ball team last year.Newcastle were keen to keep the strongly-built centre but the lure of playing with his illustrious cousin proved too appealing.He has signed a two- year deal with the Rabbitohs for 2024-25.The similarities between Ferguson and Latrell are uncanny."They are both outside backs, carry the ball strongly and kick goals," a source close to Ferguson said."It was a tough decision for him because he was happy at the Knights and they treated him well."But the thought of a new challenge and being closer to Latrell and his brother Shaq swayed him to make the move."

Latrell back to his best

The Bulldogs are Latrell Mitchell's "bunnies" - and they brought the best back out of the star fullback on Good Friday.Latrell, who has started the season slowly, hit top gear against the tackle-shy Doggies, scoring his 10th straight win over them.He also notched his first hat-trick since 2019 and ended the longest tryscoring drought of his career - seven games.It was also his 12th try in 12 games against the Bulldogs… and the blue and white boys will be glad to see the back of him for a while after his super hot performance.

Teammates rally behind Latrell Mitchell

Rabbitohs teammates have rallied around their superstar fullback, amid concerns in some quarters that continued racial abuse of Mitchell could drive him away from the game - much in the same way it did to Sydney Swans legend Adam Goodes in the AFL. Mitchell traveled back to Taree to spend time with family after the latest incident, with Rabbitohs teammates commending the manner in which he has responded to the ugly controversy."He's dealt with it and called it out and it's not about Latrell really, it's about the whole community and what it stands for," Souths prop Tom Burgess said. "If we stand for that, then we're just as bad."It's about all standing up together and calling it out (for everyone) who has been discriminated against. Good on Latrell for standing up for what he believes in, and we all believe in that too. He's a big role model for his culture and his people and he's really strong in that sense."Souths prop Junior Tatola, who is of Tongan descent, said Mitchell's actions had brought the Rabbitohs squad closer together. "Everyone is beside him," Tatola said."We're in 2023 and it's still happening and it's not just happening to Latrell. My nephew, he's in kindergarten and he's getting racially abused. They're only kids but they're learning it from somewhere. It's got to stop. It makes me furious how it's still happening."Burgess says Mitchell's actions are important to give others the courage to stand up to racial abuse and call out social injustice. "He gives inspiration to people out in the country 11 hours away; they're finding strength from what Latrell did," Burgess added."The waves of what he does, those travel massively. He's got to keep being Latrell and we will be there to support him."

Bitter rival's secret $2.7m Suaalii bid revealed

A secret contract offer prepared by South Sydney for boom teenager Joseph Suaalii has been revealed.Sydney Morning Herald columnist and 9News reporter Danny Weidler shed light on the deal that was worth $2.7 million over three years.The Rabbitohs had reportedly prepared the offer in June, and had kept it up their sleeve as a "plan B" if Latrell Mitchell opted to leave the club.Ultimately Mitchell signed a new long-term deal in December, and South Sydney has now withdrawn any interest in luring Suaalii back to the burrow.Suaalii was a Rabbitohs junior before being poached by bitter cross-town rivals the Roosters in 2020, where he has now played 21 NRL games in the last two seasons.But at 19 years old he remains one of the hottest properties in rugby league, and is yet to commit to a contract option for 2024 in his Chooks deal.While Suaalii has played the majority of his NRL career to date on the wing, he is viewed by most as a future superstar at fullback.