Latrell Mitchell returns to South Sydney training as NRL expected to hand down ban
The NRL is expected to hand down a fine and ban Latrell Mitchell for one match as the under fire South Sydney star quietly returned to training this week.
The Rabbitohs fullback will also be sanctioned by the club when he fronts the Souths board next week, after a photo emerged of him standing over a white substance in a motel room. There's no suggestion it was an illicit drug.
It's understood the NRL's announcement about the penalty is expected Friday.
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When Mitchell will serve the suspension has become a sticking point, with Souths calling in the RLPA to support their bid to have the ban served this year while he's injured. The NRL may force Mitchell to serve the ban in round one of next season.
Mitchell is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a foot injury and will not return this year.
RLPA boss Clint Newton has stated publicly that under current NRL rules, any ban should be served immediately.
Souths will point to the case of former Penrith player Taylan May, who was allowed to serve a two-match ban for an off-field incident while injured, having had the suspension delayed to allow him to play in the finals.
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The NRL ruled May would serve his ban at the start of the following season but he then suffered a knee injury, ruling him out for the year. He served his ban while rehabbing from the injury.
Interim Souths coach Ben Hornby refused to weigh in on when the NSW star should serve his suspension.
"All I know is we have to play this week and try to win with the team we've got – the Latrell stuff will take care of itself, the club will take care of it, and we'll go from there," he said on Friday.
Hornby said the player has been in a good head space this week.
"He just has to be the best Latrell he can be – it's as simple as that.
"He's been a lot better this week. He can get on the cardio equipment, but he hasn't been able to run."
