'We are taking legal advice': Rabbitohs call in lawyers as Latrell suspension farces takes another twist
Updated . First published
South Sydney is consulting lawyers in a last-ditch effort to have Latrell Mitchell serve an NRL suspension this year.
"We are taking legal advice on the NRL's request for further information and the proposed fitness test," Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly told The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.
It comes after NRL boss Andrew Abdo denied claims there is a "loophole" in their system that would prevent Mitchell from sitting out round one of the 2025 season as the governing body wants him to do.
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The 27-year-old was hit with a one-game suspension following an off-field incident last month, but the South Sydney superstar was already sidelined due to a foot injury.
Interim head coach Ben Hornby had publicly stated that Mitchell wouldn't play again this year for the Bunnies, but the club have since changed their tune.
Mitchell was present at Maroubra for training on Tuesday and while he was unable to be named in the squad due to his looming punishment, officials were adamant he is fit.
Latrell Mitchell's one-game ban is still up in the air. Getty
The Rabbitohs didn't name him for Friday's game against the Roosters but the club got three separate doctors to declare the fullback was fit enough to play.
Mitchell won't play on Friday either way but the Bunnies want it to be because of the suspension, not an injury. Mitchell didn't train again on Thursday.
Speaking to media in Melbourne on Wednesday morning, the league's chief executive officer shut down suggestions the Rabbitohs were attempting to rort the system, despite widespread criticism from fans and experts alike.
"It's an unusual situation, it doesn't happen that often, I don't think it's a loophole," Abdo told reporters at the Storm's minor premiership ceremony.
"An on-field suspension should be served when the player is available to play, so he's actually missing a match. Particularly if the suspension has occurred prior to the injury.
"We will look at it all and make a decision."
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The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday reported that the NRL had decided Mitchell's suspension will be served in the opening round of next year's season as opposed to round 27 against the Roosters.
But according to 9News Sydney's Danny Weidler, a final call hasn't been made yet.
It has been a rollercoaster year for the polarising fullback, who has dealt with injury and suspension issues, but also forced his way back into the State of Origin arena.
Mitchell hasn't played since round 18 in a win over the Eels due to a foot injury, with the Rabbitohs slumping to seven losses from eight games in his absence.
