Rabbitohs vs Broncos: Latrell Mitchell returns, Ezra Mam returns via reserve grade

Matthew Wong

Rabbitohs vs Broncos: Latrell Mitchell returns, Ezra Mam returns via reserve grade image

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will face off against the Brisbane Broncos this Friday, May 9, at 8 pm at Accor Stadium.

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is set to return to the field after missing eight weeks due to a serious hamstring injury. Scans had previously revealed a severe tear in his right hamstring, but his comeback comes as a major boost for South Sydney, who are hoping to climb the NRL ladder.

Meanwhile, Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam remains absent from the line-up, despite the end of his nine-match suspension. The 22-year-old was banned and fined $120,000 after crashing his car under the influence of drugs last October — an incident involving a woman and child who were inside the other vehicle.

Although many fans expected Mam’s return this week, Broncos coach Michael Maguire has decided not to include him in the lineup for the Rabbitohs match. Instead, Mam will make his first public appearance return to rugby league through Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup.

Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield, an Australian sports journalist, told the Herald Sun that Maguire’s decision was tied to the incident that happened over the weekend. 

“It’s because it’s Women in League Round,” Rothfield said. “A little girl was injured in that car crash. Her mother was also in the car, badly shaken. With Mother’s Day coming up and the NRL celebrating Women in League. Frankly speaking, many people feel it would be inappropriate for Mam to return this week.”

Mam was loudly booed at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night (4th May) when his face appeared on the big screen, indicating mixed opinions on his upcoming return. 

The Broncos began the season strong, winning four of their first five matches. However, they’ve since lost three of their past four games, including a disappointing 32-8 defeat to the last-placed Panthers, just weeks after dominating the high-ranking Bulldogs 42-18.

On the other hand, the Rabbitohs have shown steady improvement. As of Round 9, they've secured wins over the Dolphins, Dragons, Panthers, and pulled off a comeback against the Roosters in Round 5. With Mitchell back, it brings more variables to the upcoming Friday game. 

Historically, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have dominated this matchup at Accor Stadium, winning four of their past five games against the Broncos at the venue. In contrast, the Broncos have won just two of their last nine matches there.

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Matthew Wong

Matthew Wong is an editorial intern for Sporting News Australia.