Latrell Mitchell has been advised by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga to concentrate on South Sydney’s pre-season training, since the Rabbitohs star will be competing in the First Nations Knockout.
Before the NRL season officially ends, on the first weekend of October, Mitchell’s hometown of Taree will host its annual event. South Sydney has granted Mitchell permission to play in it.
Meninga was “surprised” by Mitchell’s cameo in the Koori Knockout last year when South Sydney told the national coach he wouldn’t be able to play for Australia because of a finger injury.
After a year, Mitchell’s health has once again taken center stage as the Souths have pushed for the fullback to serve his punishment for the white powder photo he took during last Friday’s game against the Sydney Roosters.
The NRL refused to budge and decided that the star player will serve his sentence in round one of the following season, despite the club’s submission of information from three doctors indicating the fullback was healthy enough to play following a foot injury earlier in the season.
Meninga stated that Mitchell wasn’t a viable possibility to play for the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships, despite the fact that the Indigenous star was instrumental in helping NSW level the State of Origin series in game two.
Meninga told SEN radio, “He just hasn’t played any footy really (to be considered). 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-free season and plays really well.” Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Although Mitchell has committed to participating in the regional competition, Souths coach Blake Solly is said to have asked for an NRL meeting after being perplexed by the star’s 2025 season suspension.
This year, on the weekend of the NRL grand final, Bathurst will host the First Nations Knockout.
Mitchell represented Newcastle Yowies in 2023.
Along with other former and current NRL players, Rabbitohs teammates Cody Walker, Isaiah Tass, and Jack Wighton were all featured at last year’s carnival.
