The Rabbitohs season sunk to a new low against the Raiders and now big questions remain.
After the Rabbitohs’ NRL finals aspirations were shattered, it remains unclear if Latrell Mitchell will be rested for the rest of the season. The Rabbitohs were powerless as the Raiders ran wild in a 21-12 triumph at GIO Stadium. South Sydney had a humiliating display with their NRL season on the line.
Fans of the Rabbitohs watched in dismay as Damien Cook missed straightforward conversion attempts, the defence was non-existent, and Cody Walker failed to fire a sluggish backline. Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, Alex Johnston was carried off the field in the first half with a suspected Achilles injury.
Johnston was in severe discomfort after falling without contact. The winger is now set to miss anywhere from five to eight months, returning midway through next year. The Rabbitohs’ backline is already weak, with Campbell Graham missing a single game this season and fullback Mitchell out again.
Mitchell reportedly planned to return to the Rabbitohs in round 24 to avoid surgery. His return would be to help his team make a smashing run to the NRL finals, assuming they still had a chance. Coach Ben Hornby confirmed the claims, but attempted to temper expectations by claiming Mitchell was at least four weeks away.
However, the Rabbitohs’ dismal performance against the Raiders has effectively ended their season, with South Sydney most likely missing out on finals football for the second year in a row. To stay in the running, they will most likely need to win five of their next six matches. Another loss, and the Rabbitohs will have little to play for in 2024.
And it remains to be seen whether Mitchell will return this season or if the Rabbitohs will rest him and let him recover further. Mitchell played a key role in South Sydney’s amazing comeback to form, which saw the club win six of its past seven games and move up to 12th on the table.
To qualify this year, the Rabbitohs must defeat a lot of quality teams, including the Sharks this weekend. However, their aspirations may be dashed by the time Mitchell returns in three to four weeks. This could influence the decision on whether or not to bring Mitchell back.
Rabbitohs facing brutal NRL finals footy quest
Injuries, State of Origin, and suspension have limited Mitchell to just 11 games for the Rabbitohs this season, meaning he may only play 15 games for Souths in 2024 unless they make the finals. Jye Gray will continue to play fullback for interim coach Hornby’s side, but they will face a difficult task to remain in finals contention without their inspirational No. 1.
The Rabbitohs lost to the Raiders on Sunday night and will now face Cronulla and Melbourne, both top-four candidates. Hornby will have to make a significant decision on who to put in on the left wing following Johnston’s injury. Hornby stated earlier this month that Mitchell would most certainly be sent for surgery on the ailment if it progressed to the point where Souths were out of finals contention.
“He doesn’t feel like it’s too sore right now, so that’s keeping him a little more upbeat than if it was completely gone,” Hornby explained earlier this month. “We certainly hope that he can avoid surgery. We cannot forecast it, and I am not a doctor. “We’ll see how the scan goes in four weeks.”
