Why Ben Hornby expects Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell to breathe fire against the Dragons – ‘really engaged at the moment’

Interim Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby has declared Latrell Mitchell is ready to tear the Dragons apart as he returns from a three-match suspension.

Mitchell was a welcome addition to the team sheet earlier this week, with South Sydney – who sit 17th on the NRL ladder after just one appearance this season – currently decimated by injuries.

With captain Cameron Murray, halfback Dean Hawkins, forward Jacob Host and fullback Jye Gray all unavailable, the Red V will be favorites on home soil in Kogarah.

Hornby, a premiership-winning captain with the Dragons in 2010, is happy to take on the underdog tag – and tips Mitchell – who was suspended after an ugly incident involving Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson – to make up for lost time.

The full-back is also said to be devastated after Jason Demetriou was recently sacked.

Mitchell can also use the Dragons clash to press his selection claims with NSW for the State of Origin series opener on June 5 in Sydney

“Latrell has done a really good job in training, he has prepared the boys as best he can and he is very committed at the moment,” the coach told reporters this week.

“Trell wants to win, that’s why he’s here, he wants to win games.

‘Everyone is frustrated. He learned from that [suspension]he dealt with it, he came back and refreshed.

“We look forward to him having a big impact on this game.”

Mitchell, 26, can also use the Dragons clash to press his selection claims with NSW for the State of Origin series opener in Sydney on June 5.

He will be firmly in the mix following Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic’s hamstring injury at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday evening.

Hornby also compared five-eighth Cody Walker under pressure to Manly great Cliff Lyons.

“He is instinctive and has great ball skills, just like Cliffy,” he added.

“Cody is looking forward to the game and I’m sure we’ll get a big game from him.”