NRL 2022: Latrell Mitchell set to return to field one week early after favourable judiciary ruling

The fullback was rubbed out for six weeks after a hit on Joey Manu in round 24 left the Sydney Roosters centre with a fractured cheekbone.

Mitchell was slated to return in round three to take on Manu and his former Roosters teammates, but on Tuesday evening was given clearance by the NRL Judiciary chairman Geoff Bellew to return in round two against Melbourne.

Mitchell wasn’t picked in the Indigenous All Stars squad but the pre-season fixture was counted towards his suspension after the Rabbitohs made an application to the judiciary.

Under the rules, a player can apply to have a representative match counted towards a suspension, even if they were not picked, if they can prove they would have otherwise been selected in the side. The rule applies to All Stars, Origin and Test matches.

While Mitchell is confident he will be physically primed to return to the field against the Storm, mentally, his first game back will be more of a challenge.

“That’s how the modern game is … it’s pretty daunting to know that you can go into tackle and get suspended for seven weeks,” Mitchell told News Corp.

“But that’s the process, I get that. The safety and well being of our players in the game is an important thing.”

Mitchell believes the judiciary and Match Review Committee can be ‘unfair’ to players who are banned for an extended period for a tackle where there was no intent to cause harm.

The 24-year old said St George Illawarra forward Tyrell Fuimaono’s tackle on Parramatta’s Haze Dunster showed why the NRL needed to consider making changes to the current system.

The tackle left Dunster with an ACL injury and ended his 2022 season, while Fuimaono accepted a five-week ban.

“Tyrell’s tackle is a great example. I don’t think there was any intent, it was the step, the way he fell, the momentum, Mitchell said.

“Everyone has an opinion, and they’ll have it. I think the Match Review Committee is swayed by the media outlets. It can be a bit unfair on the player.

“They (MRC) have to take it on board and be accountable.”

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has not named Mitchell for Saturday’s Charity Shield clash against the Dragons in Mudgee.

Mitchell doesn’t believe missing the trial will have an impact on his physical preparations for his highly anticipated return in round two.

“I’m not too fussed. I know what I need to do to get myself ready and right (for round two) and it’s more the mental game as I mentioned before,” Mitchell said.

“But it’s good to sit back on these games and rest and see what the team needs to work out.

“The coach needs to see where our young fellas are as well, where the depth is.”

One of those ‘young fellas’ is former Penrith junior and rising fullback Terrell Kalo Kalo, 18, who has been named to take on the Dragons.

Mitchell was full of praise for the ‘freak’ talent who was rated as highly as Joseph Suaalii when the teen prodigy was at Redfern.

“He’s the type who can float in and out, he’s got good hands. He’s fast. I think it’s the Kenyan blood in him. He’s a freak. He’s young and he’s learning the position he is playing,” Mitchell said.

“It’s refreshing to see good young talent like him coming through, it keeps me on my toes.

“Which is good because I love competition.

“I’ve always said, ‘if you want my jersey than you better come hard for it’.

“But I’m doing everything in my power as well to get him ready to be able to perform at an NRL level.”