- Souths request meeting with the NRL over Mitchell’s ban
- Blake Solly described the situation as ‘unprecedented’
- Latrell Mitchell will serve his one-match ban in 2025
Latrell Mitchell’s white powder photo scandal has entered another chapter, with Souths boss Blake Solly requesting a meeting with the NRL after being left angry and confused over the star’s suspension.
Mitchell has not played since injuring his foot against Penrith on July 4.
Facing a one-match ban after he was pictured with a white powder in a Dubbo hotel room, the NRL told Mitchell he would only be able to serve the suspension when he was fit to play.
The Rabbitohs launched a push for Mitchell to serve his suspension during last Friday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters and submitted advice from three doctors that the fullback was was fit to play.
The NRL rejected Souths’ claims, meaning Mitchell will be forced to sit out the first game of South Sydney’s 2025 season under returning coach Wayne Bennett.
The Rabbitohs have been left confused by the situation, with News Corp reporting that Solly wants to meet with NRL boss Andrew Abdo to voice his grievances.
The report suggests that the NRL wants to wait until the finals are over before having a meeting with the club.
‘This has been an unprecedented and confusing process,’ Solly said.
Souths boss Blake Solly has asked for a meeting with the NRL to get more clarity on the suspension of Latrell Mitchell (pictured)
Mitchell received the ban after an image of him leaning over a mystery white powder on a table went viral, leading to a club and NRL investigation
‘The NRL hasn’t proved a response to a number of requests for clarification on the operation of the NRL rules and CBA.
‘However, Andrew has committed to meet with the club and the RLPA urgently and we look forward to that meeting taking place.’
Souths have also spoken to lawyers on whether the NRL had the power to make the superstar fullback undergo a fitness test and serve his one match ban next year.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has ruled out picking Mitchell for Australia in the Pacific Championships, meaning the fullback’s ban cannot be served there.
Mitchell was fined $20,000 by the NRL to go along with the ban, while South Sydney also fined him $100,000 with $80,000 of that suspended.
The NRL was not satisfied that Mitchell (pictured) would have been fit to play against the Roosters in round 27 despite the player and club’s protests
The Mitchell situation has played out amid strained relations between Souths and the NRL, headlined by Solly taking a shot Andrew Abdo after the State of Origin series.
Mitchell has confirmed that he will be playing for Taree in the Koori Knockout in Bathurst during NRL grand final week.
‘Latrell is fit and available to play,’ Souths CEO Blake Solly told News Corp.
‘We support the tournament and any of our players who are fit, available and want to play; we support them playing in it.
‘It’s an important event for them and the community.’