The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio has confirmed that Latrell Mitchell will “definitely” return for the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their Round 16 clash against the Parramatta Eels.
Mitchell has not played since Round 5 when he suffered a serious hamstring tear against St George Illawarra Dragons and was forced to miss two months of the season.
Following a successful rehab stint in America, Mitchell is primed to return to first grade and salvage the Bunnies’ season that is rapidly slipping away.
“He will definitely play next week,” Riccio said to SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Think about South Sydney’s season and it’s the big guy at the back that they have been missing.
“They have been waiting for Latrell all season to get up and get going again.
“I spoke to the South Sydney coaching staff and they confirmed that Latrell is in full swing and he is training in a full game preparation scenario.
“That is huge news for Souths and it might just be enough to really kickstart the South Sydney season.
“The return of Latrell will be massive.”
Riccio also confirmed that Lachlan Ilias will retain his spot as the starting halfback despite speculation that he would be dropped to NSW Cup.
The 22-year-old was hooked from the field after 28 minutes following a disastrous start to the Round 15 match against the Dragons which was the subject of much controversy.
“It was a polarising decision to remove him from the field,” Riccio continued.
“He will retain the number seven jumper four South Sydney next weekend.
“Lachlan Ilias will survive the axe.”
South Sydney host the Eels at Accor Stadium on July 2 in Round 16.