SEN’s Jimmy Smith has said the South Sydney Rabbitohs must move Latrell Mitchell to centre as he is physically unable to do what is needed for the team.
Mitchell has copped significant criticism this season over his form and discipline, which has only been intensified after South Sydney’s poor start to the year has them last on the NRL ladder after eleven rounds with one win.
Mitchell recently returned from a three-week suspension, but Smith believes, after the two games since his return, the Rabbitohs must move their star fullback out of the custodial position.
“I was watching closely the play of Latrell Mitchell at fullback and physically he is incapable of providing for that team what is required of your fullback,” Smith said on The Jimmy Smith Show.
“I mean (incapable) by connection to the line in defence, talking to people… where’s the organisation of the defensive line… you see this at the ground just how far away, how disconnected, Latrell is from his defensive line.
“There is a short kick opportunity for… Mitchell Moses for the Parramatta Eels against the South Sydney Rabbitohs this week.
“Then there’s a lack of involvement, how much involvement? 14 carries for 70 metres. Get him to the centre position.”
Smith, however, was unsure how moving Mitchell from fullback would realistically pan out at the Rabbitohs.
“I’m not sure if you (South Sydney) have got a fullback. We know Jye Gray is still injured,” Smith said.
“And then you think about how that plays out in reality. Ben Hornby, coaching his fourth game, walks up to Latrell and goes ‘Hey, Latrell I’m going to put you in the centres’. Good luck with that one.”
Following injuries to Tom Trbojevic, Mitchell is in contention for a NSW Origin centre spot based off his previous performances in the role. However, he’s considered unlikely given there is plenty of competition from other players for the spot including Stephen Crichton, Bradman Best, and Jesse Ramien.
Mitchell and the Rabbitohs will this week be hunting for their second win of the season against fellow battlers the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium, who are coming off a big loss to the Melbourne Storm at Magic Round.