Latrell Mitchell won’t play in the Rabbitohs’ critical Round 24 clash against Parramatta, ruled out due to yet another injury that has forced him to withdraw.
“He’s not playing … he’s pinched a nerve in his back and he’s not mobile enough,” coach Wayne Bennett said, while expressing hope Mitchell could return for next week’s match against the Dragons.
As the Eels head to ANZ Stadium, Souths will be desperate to avoid slipping to the bottom of the ladder, with last week’s win against the Titans placing them just two competition points clear of last place.
Mitchell has endured an injury-plagued career at Redfern, playing only 11 games this season — the same total he managed in 2024.
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Across the last five years, the enigmatic fullback has still shown he is a genuine NRL superstar capable of turning any match on its head, but during that time he has not played more than 17 games in a single season.
In brighter news, veteran playmaker Cody Walker has completed his recovery from another soft-tissue setback and will come off the bench this weekend, giving the Bunnies a much-needed spark on the left edge.
Bennett appears keen to ease Walker back from the bench, reducing his workload to avoid another recurrence of his troublesome calf problems.
That said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a late change with Walker promoted to the starting halves against the Eels.
South Sydney’s injury toll has been relentless, and with key stars missing, the club needs Walker’s experience and creativity to help steady a wounded attack that will have to fire to overcome an Eels outfit that has been more competitive in recent weeks.
Expect the Rabbitohs to lean heavily on their right edge, using Walker’s return to inject energy and ball-playing craft, while Alex Johnston continues his pursuit of Ken Irvine’s historic try-scoring record — even without Mitchell on the field.
In a forgettable season for the green and myrtle, Johnston chasing down the long-held try-scoring mark would provide something positive for the club and its fans in what has otherwise been a consistently disappointing campaign.
For Souths, this match is less about flair and more about survival, with every week now an opportunity to avoid the wooden spoon they are perilously close to claiming.