Souths still unhappy with Mitchell ban, want answers

Scott Bailey |

Souths are still asking why Latrell Mitchell couldn’t serve his ban in the Rabbitohs-Roosters clash.
Souths are still asking why Latrell Mitchell couldn’t serve his ban in the Rabbitohs-Roosters clash.

South Sydney have refused to close the door on the Latrell Mitchell saga, saying they still have several questions regarding the NRL’s handling of his ban.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo declared the matter closed on Monday, indicating they would not be swayed on forcing Mitchell to serve his ban next year when fit.

But the Rabbitohs remain unhappy with the affair, which has now dragged on for more than a month after social media photos of Mitchell with a white powder.

Souths are insistent Mitchell should have have been able to wipe the suspension against the Sydney Roosters last week, as he was fit to play.

The club submitted three doctor reports regarding Mitchell’s foot to the NRL, after he had not featured since being hurt on July 4.

Crucially though, Mitchell did not complete a fitness test on the eve of the match after it was requested by head office.

The Rabbitohs are also adamant that NRL rules dictate suspensions should be served immediately regardless of fitness, and that Mitchell should be able to play in round one next year.

“This has been an unprecedented and confusing process,” South Sydney CEO Blake Solly told AAP.

“The NRL hasn’t yet provided a response to a number of requests for clarification on the operation of the NRL rules and CBA (collective bargaining agreement).

“However Andrew has committed to meet with the club and the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) urgently, and we look forward to that meeting taking place.”

Latrell Mitchell and Damien Cook.
Latrell Mitchell embraces Damien Cook after the hooker played his final game in Rabbitohs colours. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

It’s expected Souths will wait until the conclusion of any meetings before determining whether to pursue the matter further.

How that could be done is unclear, and whether an appeal could be launched regarding Mitchell’s fitness.

“We were really clear about it. Latrell had to serve a one-match suspension,” Abdo said on Monday morning.

“We wanted to make sure he was fit and available to play.

“We weren’t able to get the clarity we needed to come to that conclusion. That matter is now closed.

“We wish him well in the off-season, and I hope he comes back and has a great season next year. Because he is a terrific player.”

The RLPA confirmed to AAP on Monday evening that they expected to meet with Abdo over the integrity unit process.

The main sticking point remains a clause in the the NRL rules that states the suspension of player’s registration must take effect immediately.

However the contrary view is that that suspensions relate only to on-field matters, rather than a player’s registration.

AAP