South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is facing an uncertain few weeks after suffering a calf injury at training, casting doubt on his NRL return and potential State of Origin selection.
Training Injury and Scans
Mitchell left training at Heffron Park early on Monday morning after experiencing calf tightness. He had been participating in the session for approximately 30 minutes before returning indoors. The club has sent Mitchell for scans to determine the severity of the injury.
A Rabbitohs official stated they had no information about the early departure. Coach Wayne Bennett observed the incident. Club sources confirmed the issue is calf-related, not related to Mitchell's previous back injury.
Injury History and Match Availability
Mitchell had been recovering from a bulging disc in his spine, an injury he suffered during a match against the Newcastle Knights. He has not played since Magic Round on May 15.
Mitchell was expected to return against the Parramatta Eels on Thursday, pending clearance from Monday's training. The calf tightness now places that return in doubt. Coach Wayne Bennett had previously stated that Mitchell was expected to be fit for the State of Origin opener on May 27 (Source 6). This event occurred prior to the current calf injury.
Teammate Jye Gray commented on Mitchell's situation: "I'm not sure what has happened or how serious it is. Latrell knows his body better than anyone else."
Media Appearance and Statements
On Tuesday, Mitchell held a press conference at South Sydney Rabbitohs headquarters, breaking a self-imposed media ban. Accounts differ on the duration of this ban, with reports describing it as lasting 18 months or nearly two years. Mitchell's last public comments on his sport and career occurred following the 2024 season.
Mitchell stated he ended the ban to celebrate teammate Campbell Graham's 150th NRL game. Graham is a potential New South Wales Origin debutant. Mitchell endorsed Graham but stated he has not spoken to NSW coach Laurie Daley.
Mitchell declined to discuss his own media ban, contract speculation regarding the future PNG team, or the 2024 Dubbo incident involving white powder.
Mitchell credited his improved form this season to not speaking to the media. In eight games this season, he has scored 11 tries, made 52 tackle busts, 17 offloads, and 10 linebreaks. He attributed his maturation to focusing on family and being a role model for his children.
Mitchell has switched from fullback to centre for the 2026 season, a position where he won two premierships with the Sydney Roosters. He said he approached coach Wayne Bennett to be a team player, willing to play any position.
When asked about interest from the PNG Chiefs, Mitchell replied: "South Sydney is where it's at."
Appearing on Fox League's Sunday Night with Matty Johns on Sunday, Mitchell said of his recovery: "I'll be pushing to play this week. See if Wayne has a position for me."
NRL Injury Announcement Dispute
In a separate incident unrelated to the current calf injury, Coach Wayne Bennett previously expressed dissatisfaction with the NRL's handling of an earlier injury announcement regarding Mitchell's bulging disc. The NRL's official website reported Mitchell's unavailability for a match against the Cronulla Sharks before the Rabbitohs had made their own announcement. Bennett stated the club should have the prerogative to announce player changes.
Other Player Updates
Campbell Graham remains several weeks away from returning from a calf injury.