'Turned the corner': Latrell out to leave mark on premiership race
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South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has declared he is ready to leave his mark on the NRL premiership race as he prepares to play finals football for the first time in four years.
One of the biggest names in the game, will play his first finals match since 2022 when the Rabbitohs take on Newcastle in Friday night's elimination final at Allianz Stadium.
The centre has made an instant impact since returning from a debilitating nerve injury a fortnight ago and has the chance to single handedly swing his side's premiership hopes.
Latrell Mitchell Try
It's a stark turnaround from where he was just a few weeks ago, with Mitchell conceding he feared his season was over.
"I wanted to come back and just add a bit of value," Mitchell said. "To be fair, I didn't really know if I was going to play again this year. Something turned the corner and I was very happy.
"I just couldn't wait; I was biting at the bit to get back and be there for the teammates, especially Wayne too. Obviously, he's getting on now, so I wanted to make sure that I got back and do him proud."
Match: Rabbitohs v Knights
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Mitchell's desire to leave his mark on the finals series comes just a few days after he left a Toby Rodwell shaped imprint on the Allianz Stadium turf with a shot of the year contender.
The tackle brought back memories of hits produced by Manly legend Steve Matai a decade ago and has triggered another chapter in the Book of Feuds between the two clubs.
The Roosters took exception to the way Mitchell stood over Rodwell following the tackle, but the centre has been backed up by his South Sydney teammates.
Mitchell has spent his career living on the edge and no play typifies that more than his shot on Rodwell.
From the field: Latrell Mitchell
The centre timed it to perfection and reaped the rewards but the consequences would have been fierce had he made even the slightest mistake.
It's a balance coach Wayne Bennett has harnessed throughout his tenure at the Rabbitohs and hooker Brandon Smith said Mitchell gives his teammates an instant boost when he gets it right.
"As a teammate that pumped me up and it makes you feel alive in the game," Smith said. "I don't think it mattered who he pumped, whether it was Toby of [James Tedesco] or any other player. He's going to stand over him because that's what Latrell does.
"He brings that enforcer, that intimidation and a lot of niggle to the game and I'm glad he got that hit right. If he had rushed out and got it wrong, it would be all over for the season. There's a very fine line there and I'm glad we still get to play alongside him."
Friday's blockbuster at Allianz Stadium marks both Mitchell and the Rabbitohs first finals game since the 2022 preliminary final.
The centre has endured four injury-interrupted seasons since then, with Bennett departing to coach the Dolphins and returning to the club to help snap the finals drought.
Latrell was in a mood
Having ridden the highs of premiership glory earlier in his career and battled through the lows of struggling to stay healthy in recent years, Mitchell is determined to capitalise on an opportunity to make a deep finals run.
"It's special," Mitchell said. "Wayne is a special man, and we've got a good bunch of blokes here. We just want to do each other proud, that's all it is.
"I love finals footy, I love big games, and I've been there and done it. For me, it's just about adding my value and experience now and doing it consistently, that's the biggest thing. I've just come back and put a full focus on the team and my job."
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