SEN’s Mat Rogers believes Latrell Mitchell is unlikely to return to the field in season 2024 once he finishes his suspension.
Mitchell has had a turbulent start to the season following indifferent form and a slate of off-field incidents including swearing during a radio broadcast and claims of preferential treatment at South Sydney.
Mitchell also received a three-week ban for dangerous contact for landing a stray elbow on Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson.
Rogers said that given all the head noise surrounding Mitchell and his apparent frustration at the Rabbitohs’ bad start to the year, he wouldn’t be surprised to see the 26-year-old take an extended leave of absence.
“I’d love to sit down with him and ask him where he’s at,” Rogers said on SEN 1170.
“He just needs to focus on himself. Don’t talk to the press and get off social media.
“I know he loves playing rugby league (and) I want to see him enjoy his footy because all that crap will get out of his game.
“I won’t be shocked if we don’t see him play again this year.
“He will have three weeks off, his match fitness will go downhill and he will have to work hard to keep himself at a level where he can come back.
“I’m not sure if he’s prepared to do it.
“At his best, he’s the best player in the league.
“He’s not trying to play bad footy at the moment but I don’t know if Latrell feels that he has enough juice in the tank to give what it needs.
“If he has three weeks off, I don’t know where that leaves him.
“At the end of the day, the game is better with a fit and firing Latrell Mitchell.”
Mitchell will miss the Rabbitohs’ most crucial matches against the Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers in the next few weeks.
He will be available for selection for South Sydney’s Round 10 match against the St George Illawarra Dragons on May 11.