Souths postpone surgery call; Gray to cover Latrell’s void..
Latrell Mitchell’s chances of playing in South Sydney again in 2024 have increased since the Rabbitohs have postponed their intention to send the fullback for surgery.
Mitchell will start at fullback in place of Livewire Jye Gray against the Dolphins on Thursday. Mitchell hurt his foot during last Thursday’s victory over Parramatta, the regular Rabbitohs No. 1.
Mitchell’s engagement in the remaining Souths NRL season would have most certainly been cut short by an operation.
However, following a consultation with an expert, Souths are optimistic that Mitchell’s two-week recuperation period will enable his comeback later in the season.
In Mitchell’s absence, Gray will have to maintain the Rabbitohs’ recent winning streak as the team attempts to win six games in a row.
With Jeremy Marshall-King out, the Dolphins have named Max Plath at hooker, replacing Michael Chee Kam in the starting lineup due to Cameron Murray’s absence from Origin duty.
Less encouraging news for the Sydney Roosters was revealed on Tuesday night when experienced prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was given a four-match suspension by the judiciary for a high tackle.
Waerea-Hargreaves will now sit out until round 25, despite his attempts to get his suspension for the high shot on Max Feagai of St George Illawarra reduced to a fine.
Meanwhile in Friday’s sole game, Wests Tigers have rested Justin Olam as a knee issue continues to plague the Papua New Guinea international with Alex Lobb coming into Benji Marshall’s side to face Cronulla.
Without Nicho Hynes, Daniel Atkinson goes into the halves for the Sharks and Sione Katoa returns on the wing.
In Saturday’s first game, Gold Coast have put Jayden Campbell in at five-eighth with rapid winger Phillip Sami named on the bench as the Titans host an Eels side deprived of Mitchell Moses.
AJ Brimson is part of the Titans’ extended squad and could come into calculations as he works his way back from a groin injury.
The brother of Sharks star Ronaldo, Lorenzo Mulitalo, makes his NRL debut for the Eels, while Daejarn Asi wears the No. 7 shirt and Charlie Guymer begins at lock.
For their trip to Brisbane on Saturday, St George Illawarra has recalled Mikaele Ravalawa in lieu of Zac Lomax. Because of their severe injury issue, Brisbane has forced to name three hookers in its 17-man squad.
Newcastle has selected an extremely inexperienced backline to play Manly in the stand-alone match on Sunday, with Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, and Kalyn Ponga all playing for Origin.
Tom Trbojevic, who spent just one week playing in the centers, is back in his natural position as a fullback.
