- Latrell Mitchell is set to play in the 2024 Koori Knockout
- Souths star confirmed to play for Taree this year
- Fullback sanctioned after photo of Dubbo hotel room
Latrell Mitchell won’t be playing in the NRL this year, but the Rabbitohs superstar will soon lace up his boots to play rugby league for Taree in the Koori Knockout.
Mitchell, 27, was suspended for one match and also fined $20,000 by the NRL following his ill-fated trip to Dubbo on the weekend of August 10-11.
The star player played just 11 games for the club in 2024 due to injuries and suspensions, with his last setback coming in the 18th round.
Mitchell has now recovered from his Lisfranc foot injury and plans to compete in the Koori Knockout, which will take place during grand final week in Bathurst.
“Latrell is fit and available to play,” Souths CEO Blake Solly said News Corp.
‘We support the tournament and all players who are fit, available and willing to play; we support them to take part.
“It’s an important event for them and for the community.”
With many pundits believing the Bunnies were Premier League heavyweights before a ball was ever kicked, the Bunnies will miss out on the NRL’s top eight again after coach Jason Demetriou was sacked in April.
Latrell Mitchell will play rugby league for Taree in the Koori Knockout during grand final week
It will be the first time Mitchell has played football since he was injured in round 18
Mitchell has courted controversy at times, receiving a three-game ban after elbowing Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson in the closing stages. He was then embroiled in a spat with Anthony Mundine that raged for weeks after the Spencer Leniu-Ezra Mam racism saga in Las Vegas.
When you factor in Mitchell’s abusive post-match interview with Triple M, followed by his public spat with NRL 360 presenter Braith Anasta at a Sydney restaurant, it’s understandable that the club’s management have had enough.
‘Trell Mit’ helped the NSW Blues win the Origin series with a convincing performance in the second match at the MCG. However, he was injured in an incident against the Eels which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
The Rabbitohs star has indicated he will play for Taree this year after playing for Newcastle in the Koori Knockout in 2023
Wayne Bennett’s return to the club as head coach in 2025 could go a long way towards keeping Mitchell on the right path.
They have a close bond and Bennett is looking forward to working with the Indigenous role model again.
I will be there for him and I hope I can give them [South Sydney] “He’s getting the help he needs,” Bennett said recently.
“He’s in good hands and he’s a good person. I have a lot of time for Latrell.
“South Sydney will handle the matter. They are a great club and they will make it right with Latrell.”