Wayne Bennett, the veteran coach known for his ability to guide and mentor players, has expressed his commitment to helping Latrell Mitchell get his career back on track when he returns to South Sydney next season. However, Bennett also emphasized that Mitchell, like any other player in the NRL, must take responsibility for his actions and make necessary changes in behavior when they fall short of expectations.
This comes in the wake of the Rabbitohs’ recent decision to sideline Mitchell for the remainder of the year. The club had been uncertain about his return from a foot injury, but now it seems that he may have played his last game for them. Reports suggest that the Rabbitohs’ management is extremely displeased with Mitchell’s latest off-field issues, which follow a series of previous indiscretions.
Mitchell’s performance has not matched the expectations that come with his hefty contract, largely due to a combination of injuries and suspensions. Consequently, the club is reportedly considering terminating the remaining three years of his contract. Currently, Mitchell is on a leave of absence after receiving a breach notice for being photographed with a white powder, a development that has further strained his relationship with the club.
Interim coach Ben Hornby, who has been in charge of the Rabbitohs since Mitchell’s foot injury in round 18, has been in no hurry to bring him back, especially given the team’s poor standing in the league. With the Rabbitohs unable to qualify for the finals, and Mitchell having missed two weeks of training due to illness, Hornby confirmed that Mitchell would not be returning to play this season. He stated, “He won’t play footy again this year,” adding that it was a combination of factors, including the missed training time, that led to the decision.
The latest scandal involving Mitchell and the white powder is just one in a series of controversies that have surrounded him this year. Earlier in the season, Mitchell made headlines with a profanity-laden radio interview in March and received a three-match suspension in April as the Rabbitohs’ season began to unravel.
Despite these challenges, Mitchell is set to reunite with Bennett in 2025, a move that many hope will provide him with the support he needs to turn his career around. Bennett, who has a close relationship with Mitchell, expressed his willingness to guide the player through this difficult period. “I’ll look forward to it. I will be there for him, and I hope I can give him the help he needs,” Bennett said. Although he has not yet reached out to Mitchell, Bennett is confident that the South Sydney club will handle the situation appropriately.
Bennett also downplayed the idea of being overly concerned about Mitchell’s future, stating that the focus should be on getting things sorted out and moving forward. He emphasized that Mitchell’s abilities on the field should be the primary focus, not his off-field actions. “If you have his ability, it is not hard. At the end of the day, he is a football player, and it is what he does on the field he should be remembered for. That’s the key,” Bennett noted.
However, Bennett was also clear that playing or being involved in the NRL comes with a higher level of scrutiny, and that personal responsibility is crucial. He pointed out that the NRL operates under a level of scrutiny that few other businesses in Australia face, and that players, coaches, and officials must learn to live with it. “If you decide to coach in the NRL, if you decide to play in the NRL, or be an official in the NRL, you are under different rules to everyone else in society. If you can’t handle that, then don’t do the job,” Bennett asserted. He stressed that those involved in the NRL must be prepared to change their behavior and take responsibility for their actions.
In summary, while Bennett remains optimistic about Mitchell’s potential to overcome his recent challenges, he is also realistic about the demands and expectations that come with being a part of the NRL. The situation with Mitchell serves as a reminder that the scrutiny in professional sports is intense, and those who choose to be a part of it must be willing to meet the high standards of conduct that are required.
