- He received a one-match ban after his photo went viral
- He had been working hard to get fit for the final round match against the Roosters.
- Mitchell wanted to enforce the ban this year, not in 2025
Latrell Mitchell will be forced to serve his one-match suspension at the start of next season after the NRL officially rejected South Sydney’s claims that he is fit to play in Round 27.
The NRL confirmed on Friday morning that the Rabbitohs’ last-round match against the Sydney Roosters could not count towards Mitchell’s ban as he was deemed unfit.
Mitchell has not played since injuring his foot against Penrith on July 4. The Rabbitohs said last month he would not play again this season.
“The NRL has informed the South Sydney Rabbitohs that Latrell Mitchell will not serve his suspension in round 27,” an NRL spokesperson said.
‘Based on the information provided, the NRL is not satisfied that the player is fit and available to play in round 27.’
Latrell Mitchell will serve his one-match NRL ban in 2025, not this season
Mitchell was banned after the image went viral, prompting an investigation by the club and the NRL.
The NRL was not satisfied that Mitchell had been fit to play against the Roosters in Round 27 despite the player’s protests.
“The NRL has requested clarification and additional information from the club regarding the player’s fitness and availability to participate in the match, including a fitness assessment,” the spokesperson continued.
‘Despite several requests, this was not provided in the time required to make a proper and informed assessment of the player’s fitness to take part in tonight’s match.
‘The player will serve the one-match suspension when he is fit and available to play in the 2025 NRL season.’
After being handed a one-game suspension for a photo showing him with white powder, Souths pushed for Mitchell to be deemed fit.
The Rabbitohs had sought legal advice on the matter on Thursday after the NRL deemed three separate medical reports were not sufficient to influence the NRL.
The decision means the fullback will be forced to sit out South Sydney’s opening game of the 2025 season under returning coach Wayne Bennett, assuming he is fit.