Billy Slater’s telling message for Latrell Mitchell as fullback returns from suspension for injury ravaged Rabbitohs

Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater has a telling message for Latrell Mitchell as the Rabbitohs fullback returns from a three-match suspension on Saturday.

Mitchell has not played since Souths’ loss to the Warriors, in which he was suspended for landing an elbow to Shaun Johnson’s face.

While he was out, coach Jason Demetriou has been sacked and his side have fallen to the bottom of the NRL ladder.

Souths also have a growing list of players sidelined through injury, including Cam Murray, Dean Hawkins, Isaiah Tass and Jye Gray.

“Just go play football, that’s what he’s good at, that’s what he enjoys,” he said on the Billy Slater Podcast earlier this week.

Billy Slater wants the Souths superstar to go out and have fun playing football

“He’s a football player and I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting out there and having some fun. Smile, enjoy yourself, play some footy.

‘He was quite frustrated just before he was suspended and you could see that in some of his actions on the pitch.

“His team is in trouble and he’s not playing his best football, but I think the game is better when Latrell is back and having a good time and playing well.”

The 26-year-old should certainly get Souths back on track, and NRL great Braith Anasta believes Mitchell should lead from the front with a kick return.

“I’d like him to just take the ball off that kick return and let it run. That is the trigger,” Anasta said on NRL 360.

“If I’m his coach, (I’d say) ‘Can you just catch him and run?’ Don’t look for your wingers, just run.

‘He can beat two or three defenders, he attracts two or three defenders and then the way is open for everyone else. It frustrates me that he’s looking for that pass all the time.”

Footy great James Graham also believes Mitchell’s attitude in the match will be crucial.

While Mitchell has been away, coach Jason Demetriou has been sacked and his side have fallen to the bottom of the NRL ladder

“If you look at some of the new names … They’ll look at Latrell and see the attitude he brings, the type of game he brings,” Graham said.

“He has the ability to be so infectious to a group that has so little self-confidence, who are dejected and deflated, looking and thinking about who’s coming next year – almost playing for yourself.

‘He’s so important. His first taste of football this weekend will be so important for the impact it will have in and around this team.

Also his attitude during training will be huge for these people who find themselves in a terrible situation. It’s up to him… a huge role.’