- Souths request meeting with NRL over Mitchell’s suspension
- Blake Solly described the situation as ‘unprecedented’
- Latrell Mitchell will serve his one-game suspension in 2025
The Latrell Mitchell white powder photo scandal has entered a new chapter as Souths boss Blake Solly has requested a meeting with the NRL after being left angry and confused over the star’s suspension.
Mitchell has not played since injuring his foot against Penrith on July 4.
Mitchell was suspended for one match after being photographed with white powder in a Dubbo hotel room. The NRL told Mitchell he could not serve the suspension until he was fit to play.
The Rabbitohs tried to get Mitchell to serve his suspension during Friday night’s match against the Sydney Roosters, with three doctors advising the fullback to play.
The NRL has rejected Souths’ claims, meaning Mitchell will miss South Sydney’s first game of the 2025 season under returning coach Wayne Bennett.
The Rabbitohs have been left confused by the situation, with News Corp stating that Solly wants to meet NRL boss Andrew Abdo to air his grievances.
The report reveals that the NRL wants to wait until the finals are over before holding a meeting with the club.
“This has been an unprecedented and confusing process,” Solly said.
Souths boss Blake Solly has requested a meeting with the NRL to gain more clarity over Latrell Mitchell’s suspension (pictured)
Mitchell was suspended after an image of him leaning over a mysterious white powder on a table went viral, prompting an investigation by the club and the NRL
‘The NRL has not responded to a number of requests for clarification on the operation of the NRL rules and the CBA.
‘However, Andrew has agreed to meet with the club and the RLPA as soon as possible and we look forward to that meeting taking place.’
Souths have also spoken to lawyers about whether the NRL has the authority to make the superstar fullback undergo a fitness test and suspend him for one match next year.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has ruled out Mitchell playing for Australia in the Pacific Championships, meaning the fullback’s suspension will not be served there.
Mitchell was fined $20,000 by the NRL for the ban, while South Sydney also imposed a $100,000 fine, $80,000 of which was suspended.
The NRL were not satisfied that Mitchell (pictured) would be fit enough to play against the Roosters in round 27, despite protests from the player and club.
The Mitchell situation played out against a backdrop of tense relations between Souths and the NRL, culminating in Solly punching Andrew Abdo after the State of Origin series.
Mitchell has confirmed he will play for Taree at the Koori Knockout in Bathurst during NRL Grand Final week.
“Latrell is fit and available to play,” Souths CEO Blake Solly told 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.”