South Sydney are preparing to welcome back one of the NRL’s most dangerous attacking players, with Latrell Mitchell named in the Rabbitohs’ extended squad for Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans as the club closes in on the finals.
Mitchell has been listed in jersey No.19 and is expected to finally return after a lengthy absence caused by back, nerve and calf problems.
The superstar has not played since Round 11, leaving South Sydney without one of its most influential attacking weapons during a critical part of the season.
His comeback is one of several major selection stories in Round 26, with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary making a significant call in the halves by choosing Jack Cole ahead of Blaize Talagi to replace suspended five-eighth Jack Cogger. The NRL’s official team lists confirm Cole will partner Nathan Cleary against Canterbury.
Mitchell Finally Closing In on Return
South Sydney had hoped Mitchell might return earlier, but the club resisted rushing him back as he continued recovering from his injury problems.
He was included on an extended bench ahead of last week’s match but was ruled out before the Rabbitohs faced the Warriors.
This time, however, indications are considerably stronger that he will take the field against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
Mitchell’s return would provide South Sydney with a major boost at precisely the right moment.
The 29-year-old is capable of changing games with his ball-running, passing, kicking and ability to create something from seemingly little opportunity.
Rabbitohs forward Tallis Duncan described Mitchell as an “X-factor” player capable of producing crucial moments when his side needs them most.
Mitchell Could Return at Centre
Rather than immediately returning in his more familiar fullback role, Mitchell is expected to spend time at left centre.
That arrangement could allow South Sydney to manage his workload while still adding his attacking power to the side.
Matthew Dufty has been named at fullback in the official team list, with Alex Johnston among the outside backs.
Mitchell’s presence at centre would still give the Rabbitohs an imposing attacking option, particularly close to the try line where his size, footwork and passing ability can create serious problems for opposition defences.
For South Sydney, simply having him available again represents an important development heading towards the postseason.
Special Moment Planned for Jai Arrow
The Rabbitohs’ team selection also includes an unusual arrangement involving Jai Arrow.
Arrow has been named to start in what will allow him to officially reach 100 appearances for South Sydney, with the NRL approving a special arrangement before he leaves the field shortly after kick-off.
Cameron Murray has been named on the interchange but is expected to enter the match early and take over at lock.
That reshuffle could also help create the positional changes required to bring Mitchell into the contest.
Jamie Humphreys has also been included among South Sydney’s options and provides another potential goal-kicking choice.
Gold Coast, meanwhile, will be without forward Beau Fermor, who is sidelined by a rib injury.
Penrith Make Major Five-Eighth Decision
While South Sydney celebrate Mitchell’s expected return, defending heavyweights Penrith face a significant decision of their own.
Coach Ivan Cleary has selected Jack Cole at five-eighth for the crucial clash with Canterbury, overlooking Blaize Talagi for the starting position.
Cole comes into the side because Jack Cogger is serving a three-match suspension for a careless high tackle.
The ban means Cogger is unavailable for the remainder of the regular season and will not be eligible to return until Penrith’s second finals match.
That makes Cleary’s choice particularly important because Penrith are fighting to secure a top-two finish and the home finals advantage that comes with it.
Cole Gets Nod Ahead of Talagi
Talagi possesses considerable attacking ability, but defensive concerns contributed to him losing the five-eighth position earlier in the season.
Cole has consequently been viewed as the safer option alongside superstar halfback Nathan Cleary.
The 23-year-old has played only a limited number of NRL matches this season and is due to leave Penrith for the Perth Bears in 2027.
Nevertheless, he now faces one of the most important assignments of Penrith’s season.
Cole will be responsible for helping organise Penrith’s attack while allowing Nathan Cleary to control the match and apply his kicking game.
Talagi remains in the squad and has been named on the bench after spending the previous two weeks playing NSW Cup.
Top-Two Finish on the Line
Penrith’s selection decision has added importance because the competition near the top of the ladder remains extremely tight.
A top-two finish would guarantee the Panthers a valuable home advantage in the opening week of the finals.
With Cogger unavailable, Cleary needs his replacement halves combination to settle immediately.
The Bulldogs present a substantial challenge, making the match an early examination of whether Cole can provide the stability Penrith require during the most important weeks of the season.
Canterbury have also dealt with disruption this week, although players affected by concerns surrounding illness have been named.
Utility Kurt Mann, however, is unavailable because of a groin problem.
Tedesco Named Again for Roosters
Elsewhere, Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco has again been named as he attempts to make his return from injury.
Tedesco has been close to playing in recent rounds only to be withdrawn late, meaning his selection does not guarantee he will make it onto the field.
Roosters hooker Reese Robson said the veteran fullback had continued improving and had returned to training with the main group.
The Roosters are expected to make a final decision closer to kick-off.
Getting Tedesco back before the finals would be a significant boost given his experience, running threat and leadership.
Cowboys Welcome Back Representative Stars
North Queensland have received a double injury boost with Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai cleared to return.
Dearden has been named at halfback, triggering several positional changes across the Cowboys’ backline.
Jaxon Purdue is expected to move into the centres, while Zac Laybutt shifts to the wing.
Murray Taulagi misses the match while following the NRL’s concussion protocols.
The returns of Dearden and Nanai give North Queensland substantially more experience during another important late-season fixture.
Hughes Returns for Melbourne
Melbourne have also received encouraging news with playmaker Jahrome Hughes returning for the Storm.
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His presence will strengthen Melbourne’s attack for their meeting with Brisbane.
The Broncos, by contrast, will have to manage without veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, whose season has ended through injury.
The absence of an experienced organising half can become particularly significant during finals football, placing greater responsibility on Brisbane’s remaining playmakers.
Newcastle and Warriors Also Make Changes
Newcastle will be without Dom Young and Tyson Frizell, while Phoenix Crossland’s absence means Harrison Graham will start at hooker.
There is some positive news for the Knights, with representative centre Dane Gagai returning.
Their opponents, the Warriors, regain Te Maire Martin in the halves, adding another experienced playmaker to their side.
Across the competition, the growing number of returning and unavailable stars demonstrates how important squad depth has become as clubs reach the final stages of the regular season.
Rabbitohs Gain Their X-Factor at Perfect Time
For South Sydney, however, the biggest story remains Mitchell.
His absence since Round 11 has deprived the Rabbitohs of a player capable of influencing a match through a single carry, pass or kick.
South Sydney have managed to keep themselves in finals contention without him, but Mitchell’s return gives coach Wayne Bennett another elite attacking option as the stakes rise.
The Rabbitohs will still need to carefully manage a player returning from an extended injury lay-off, particularly after his previous comeback was delayed.
But if Mitchell can return close to full fitness, South Sydney suddenly become a considerably more dangerous attacking side.
And with the finals looming, the timing could hardly be more valuable.
For Penrith, meanwhile, the pressure falls on Jack Cole to justify Ivan Cleary’s decision and provide the stability required alongside Nathan Cleary.
Two major selection calls — Mitchell’s comeback and Cole’s promotion — could therefore have an important influence on how the NRL premiership race develops over the coming weeks.
