Latrell Mitchell will be questioned about how an image of him seeming to lean over a table with a white substance on it began circulating in media sources as the Rabbitohs’ nightmare season took a late turn.
The NRL integrity unit was made aware of the snapshot, prompting South Sydney to begin investigating how their $1 million-per-season marquee guy ended up in the image.
The photo, which depicts Mitchell, 27, bending over some furniture, first circulated among news sites on Monday morning. There is no evidence that the white material is an illegal drug.
The NRL said on Monday night that it had been notified of the photo, but that its integrity section had not yet launched an official investigation.
When contacted on Monday, South Sydney officials stated they were investigating the authenticity of the photo. Mitchell’s consultant, former manager and boxing promoter Matt Rose, was in America and stated he hadn’t seen the image yet.
The date and location of the photo were unknown, but the Rabbitohs said they heard about it after Mitchell attended a coaching seminar in Dubbo on the weekend.
In a statement, the Rabbitohs said: “The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been made aware of a photograph of Latrell Mitchell circulating on social media following a personal appearance in Dubbo over the weekend.
“The club has notified the NRL integrity unit about the photo.” At this point, the Rabbitohs will not make any additional comments.
The image also depicts a blonde woman in the foreground, but her identity remains unknown.
Mitchell is now rehabbing from a foot ailment that most likely ruined his season.
The Australian and NSW representative, one of the game’s most well-known figures, hasn’t played since early July, when he suffered a Lisfranc injury to his foot and missed the State of Origin series decider.
He has made regular travels to remote villages to promote the game and champion Indigenous youth, but the photo’s surroundings have sparked suspicions.
Mitchell returned to NSW colors after a three-year sabbatical with a standout effort in the game two win over Queensland at the MCG.
He has only played 11 matches for South Sydney in 2024, handicapped by a suspension for elbowing Warriors star Shaun Johnson during the club’s disastrous start to the season. The Rabbitohs fired coach Jason Demetriou after winning only one of their first seven games.
Mitchell is unlikely to play for the Rabbitohs again this season, with the team out of finals contention, and the fullback has already expressed his desire to reunite with supercoach Wayne Bennett when he returns to Sydney next year.
The Rabbitohs confirmed on Monday that Dolphins back-rower Euan Aitken will join Bennett at South Sydney next year, after signing a three-year contract.
