- South Sydney Rabbitohs return to pre-season training
- The team seeks to get off to a good start after a bad 2024
- Latrell Mitchell was a star who was seen in training.
Latrell Mitchell showed an impressive off-field transformation as he returned to pre-season training with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Wednesday.
The fullback appears to have been working hard on his fitness in recent months following a white powder scandal which saw the NRL hand the 27-year-old a one-match suspension and a $20,000 fine.
He will serve that suspension at the start of next season as the football star has not played since the Rabbitohs’ 32-16 loss to the Eels on July 4 due to a foot injury.
While sidelined, Mitchell appears to have been taking all the necessary steps to get back to top form.
Reports recently indicated that he has lost at least 5kg in the off-season in his bid to prove to coach Wayne Bennett that he means business.
Latrell Mitchell has shown an impressive transformation as he was pictured in pre-season training on Wednesday.
Mitchell made 11 appearances for the Rabbitohs last season but was ruled out since July 4 with a foot injury.
Mitchell recently revealed that he has been making several lifestyle changes to become fitter and healthier, notably demolishing a bar in his home and replacing it with a gym.
He also turned his home into a training base, according to News Corp. The 27-year-old, who gave up drinking alcohol, demolished a bar in his home and turned it into a gym.
He is understood to have fitted out his new home gym with weights, yoga mats and a sauna.
Following the conclusion of Souths’ 2024 season, Bennett criticized the Rabbitohs for their recent form, criticizing them for their work ethic, devotion and aptitude, according to The Daily Telegraph.
“Wayne didn’t screw around,” a source close to the outlet said.
Bennett had signed a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs earlier this year after parting ways with the Dolphins.
And it appears the new manager has been pushing his players hard at their pre-season training camp, with several stars – including Jack Wighton, Cody Walker and Campbell Graham – put through their paces during the session.
Mitchell cut a slim figure as he was photographed running up and down the training pitch.
League great Corey Parker praised Mitchell for his recent transformation, after reacting to several images the Souths star recently posted on Instagram.
‘I saw a bunch of photos the other day… he looked extremely thin. He looked fit,” Parker said on SEN Radio.
“Hopefully, there will be some really good things to come. Obviously, Wayne has talked to him. But I’m not upset about the fact that I didn’t hear Latrell come out and say things. Keep your nose down, Latrell.
Bennett, meanwhile, said he’s not worried about Mitchell’s fitness.
“Latrell’s physical condition will not be a problem for me,” the coach said.
Mitchell was banned after this image went viral, leading to an investigation by the club and the NRL.
Returning coach Wayne Bennett (right) says it’s great to know the Bunnies star is in good shape.
“I haven’t spoken to Latrell lately, but if he’s fit it’s great to know.
‘I saw a bunch of photos the other day… he looked extremely thin. He looked fit,” Parker said on SEN Radio.
The Rabbitohs will be hoping to put their best foot forward this season after slipping to finish second from bottom in the NRL standings after losing 17 games last season.
It was a far cry from their efforts in 2021 and 2022, where the Bunnies first reached the Grand Final before being eliminated in the preliminary final the following year.