The Mole: Latrell Mitchell's 'hellfire training' to become Rabbitohs fullback

Latrell Mitchell is prepared for two months of 'hellfire training' to adapt to his new spot of fullback at Souths this season.

Without a club in recent weeks as his future has been played out, Mitchell will start behind the eight ball in his bid to play in the No.1 jumper.

But with his future now all but sorted, Mitchell is preparing to shed the kilos to be lighter and more mobile for the premiership kick-off in March.

"He sees it as a challenge and like all good players, he thrives on that sort of thing," a source close to Mitchell told Wide World of Sports.

The constant speculation over his future has taken its toll on Mitchell but now he is signed, sealed and delivered at Souths, he is looking ahead and keen to make a good impression.

WINGER MANLY'S NEW BENCH PRESS KING

Unsung winger Abbas Miski has shattered the Manly bench press record in his bid to secure a first-grade spot at Brookvale this season.

A Josh Mansour clone with his bushy beard and bullocking running style, Miski lifted a staggering 183.5kg at a recent Sea Eagles weight session.

That's more than the likes of musclemen Marty Taupau and Jake Trbojevic could manage and made a big impression on coach Des Hasler.

Miski came from nowhere to make his debut last season while the Sea Eagles were in the midst of a backline injury crisis and the 24-year-old Lebanese international has quickly established himself as a favourite with Sea Eagles fans, despite playing just three top-grade games.

PONGA'S DAD TAKES OVER AFTER FRENZY

A host of player agents were chasing Kalyn Ponga - one of the hottest properties in the game - since his recent split with his manager Wayde Rushton.

The managers were prepared to move heaven and earth to get their hands on the Knights superstar - but all appear to have missed out.

Word has it that Ponga's father, Andre, will take over his son's affairs in a somewhat risky move.

Mr Ponga recently sent this message out to a bunch of managers who were chasing he youngster - but few were able to decipher exactly what it means:

"This is a message to some apologising or to thank. Having finalising last week after four months of privacy with the managing situation it is now resolved with confidential separation and looking forward to moving on. Therefore KP's off field issues because of the last 4 months experience we now have decided to move in a different direction and also kept within but we thank you for your previous interest and sincere apologies for not taking your calls, messages or emails during that period. Wish you all well for 2020.....Ponga Family."

UGLY CLASH BETWEEN PARTNERS

A vicious online spat between a player's ex and current partners is the talk of the NRL.

The dispute is particularly ugly as it features online bullying and drags the player's children into the argument.

I won't mention the player concerned as he is clearly upset and the matter is out of his control.

The vitriol was so bitter that Instagram actually took down some of the posts, but the warring parties still managed to continue their verbal assault on other social media sites.