Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has backed Latrell Mitchell to provide a glimpse of what's to come throughout the finals in Friday's blockbuster against the Roosters.
The South Sydney superstar will line up in the centres against his former club in front of a big crowd at Allianz Stadium, marking his first start after months on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
Mitchell made his long-awaited return off the bench against the Titans last week, playing just 20 minutes as he continued his recovery from a nerve issue that led to back and calf problems.
Latrell was in a mood
Now, with finals just around the corner, Bennett is ready to see his star centre get back to his brilliant best.
Wearing the No.3 jersey he made his own earlier in the season, Mitchell has the chance to shake off the remaining cobwebs against the Rabbitohs’ fiercest rivals, although in true Bennett fashion, he was typically coy when asked whether his star would play the full 80 minutes.
“Probably not,” Bennett told reporters on Thursday.
“He’s not much value if he doesn’t play well. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
The Roosters have rested nine of their biggest names for the clash, while Mitchell will make his first start in nearly four months.
But Bennett isn’t concerned about taking a risk with one of his most important players.
“It’s a risk business,” Bennett said.
“I’m not thinking about the risks. I’m thinking about him getting out there and playing well and getting the job done and going the 80 minutes because he’s been out for so long.
“I’m not thinking 'we can’t risk him'.”
Match: Rabbitohs v Roosters
Round 27 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The master coach has guided South Sydney back into the finals for the first time since 2022.
A strong finish to the regular season could also help the Rabbitohs secure a home final in week one.
A win over the Roosters will ensure South Sydney finish no lower than sixth, while a loss could see them slip to seventh or possibly eighth on the ladder.
Bennett acknowledges his side has struggled for consistency this season but he's confident they are firing at the right time of the year.
“We haven’t finished games as well as we should have and had our moments,” Bennett said.
“I’m a coach and looking for perfection.
“It’s the players’ responsibility to do that and put their hand up.”
There is still plenty on the line for South Sydney, and plenty of emotion surrounding the occasion.
Bennett talks about the love for Jai Arrow
Recently retired forward Jai Arrow will lead the Rabbitohs on to the field for his 100th appearance in the red and green, giving Bennett’s players another reason to make Friday night’s clash count.
The coach presented Arrow with his jersey on Thursday at an emotional ceremony and Bennett is confident his side will honour the occasion with a big performance.
“It does mean something. We wouldn’t be doing it if it didn’t mean something,” Bennett said.
“All my players wanted to play because they wanted to be in the moment with Jai and they respect him so much.”
Rugby league's oldest rivals will collide in a Friday-night blockbuster at Allianz Stadium. Tickets are selling fast, click here to secure your seats before they are gone.
