Latrell Mitchell will be removed from the most crucial juncture of South Sydney’s season after accepting a suspension, putting more pressure on coach Jason Demetriou.
Fullback Mitchell was reported twice in the Bunnies’ 34-4 loss to the Warriors on Saturday and was accused of using his elbow to fend off Shaun Johnson.
Rather than fight the grade two dangerous contact charge and risk a further suspension, Mitchell pleaded guilty early and accepted a three-game suspension.
He will not play against Cronulla, Melbourne and Penrith, with rookie Jye Gray expected to be handed the No.1 jersey in his absence.
Demetriou described Mitchell’s behavior as “stupid” on Saturday and he now faces the most difficult period of his NRL coaching career without his most influential player.
The Souths coach is under increasing pressure after a 1-4 start, compounded by the team missing out on the finals in 2023 after leading the competition for the first 11 rounds.
Melbourne great Cameron Smith said on Monday the Souths team was clearly “unsettled” and playing below their capacity.
“If you align [Souths’ list] against any other team in the competition, they’re just not playing anywhere near their capabilities,” Smith said.
“You need all 17 players to agree with what your coach wants to do.
“If you have a couple of players who don’t want to be a part of it, then it’s a struggle. It doesn’t matter who you play against.
Charging…
“When I look at the Rabbitohs, who have so many elite players, they lack energy and they seem to be making the necessary moves.
“When they have the ball, it’s like, ‘Well, here, pass the ball, you do it.’
“I have no faith in backing them right now against anyone.”
Since May last year, when Souths were leading the competition, the club has been beset by problems.
In the intervening 11 months, Souths have conceded an average of 28 points per game and recorded just five wins.
Mitchell’s discipline, on and off the field, has been at the forefront.
The full-back missed several weeks with a calf injury and was ruled out of must-win games at the end of last season for elbowing Newcastle striker Tyson Frizell.
Demetriou’s inability to control Mitchell was cited as one of the main reasons why club great Sam Burgess left Souths in dramatic circumstances in August to coach Super League side Warrington.
Burgess would be a clear contender to step in and replace Demetriou, who was given a three-year contract extension in October last year, if Souths cannot stop their alarming side.
AAP
