- Souths request meeting with NRL over Mitchell sanction
- Blake Solly described the situation as “unprecedented”
- Latrell Mitchell will serve his one-match ban in 2025
The Latrell Mitchell white powder photo scandal has entered another chapter, with Souths boss Blake Solly requesting a meeting with the NRL after being left angry and confused by the star’s suspension.
Mitchell has not played since injuring his foot against Penrith on July 4.
Mitchell, who is facing a one-match suspension after being photographed with white powder in a Dubbo hotel room, was told by the NRL he could only serve the ban when he was fit to play.
The Rabbitohs began a campaign to have Mitchell serve his suspension during Friday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters and submitted advice from three doctors that the full-back was fit to play.
The NRL has rejected Souths’ claims, meaning Mitchell will be forced to sit out South Sydney’s first game of the 2025 season under returning coach Wayne Bennett.
The Rabbitohs were left bewildered by the situation, with News Corporation reporting that Solly wants to meet NRL boss Andrew Abdo to air his grievances.
The report suggests the NRL wants to wait until the finals are over before holding a meeting with the club.
“This has been an unprecedented and confusing process,” Solly said.
Souths boss Blake Solly has requested a meeting with the NRL to gain more clarity on the suspension of Latrell Mitchell (pictured)
Mitchell was handed the ban after an image of him bending over a mysterious white powder on a table went viral, leading to an investigation by the club and the NRL.
‘The NRL has not responded to a number of requests for clarification on the operation of the NRL and CBA rules.
“However, Andrew has committed to meeting with the club and the RLPA urgently and we look forward to that meeting taking place.”
Souths have also spoken to lawyers about whether the NRL has the power to make the superstar fullback undergo a fitness test and serve his one-match suspension next year.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has ruled out picking Mitchell for Australia in the Pacific Championship, meaning the fullback’s ban cannot be served there.
The NRL fined Mitchell $20,000 along with the ban, while South Sydney also fined him $100,000, of which $80,000 was suspended.
The NRL was not satisfied that Mitchell (pictured) had been fit to play against the Roosters in Round 27 despite protests from the player and club.
Mitchell’s situation unfolded amid strained relations between Souths and the NRL, headlined by Solly attacking Andrew Abdo after the State of Origin series.
Mitchell has confirmed he will play for Taree in the Koori Knockout at Bathurst during the NRL grand final.
“Latrell is fit and available to play,” Souths chief executive Blake Solly told News Corp.
‘We support the tournament and any of our players who are fit, available and want to play, we support them to participate in it.
“It is an important event for them and the community.”