The South Sydney Rabbitohs — and Latrell Mitchell — have responded to his cameo within the Koori Knockout over the weekend.
The star fullback was deemed unavailable for the Kangaroos for the upcoming Pacific Championships because of a finger damage, however was noticed enjoying for the Newcastle Yowies within the match held on the Central Coast.
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Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga admitted he was “surprised” to see Mitchell enjoying over the weekend, however South Sydney CEO Blake Solly defined that the 26-year-old had permission from the membership given the load was so much lower than enjoying for Australia.
“Latrell had the club’s blessing to play in the knockout, and that tournament is very different to six weeks of training and playing international rugby league, which is what he would have had to do playing for the PM’s XIII and Tests,” Solly advised The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We spoke with the Kangaroos and NRL at the time, and they understood the reasons why we decided Latrell was unavailable.”
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Mitchell took to social media to reply to the confusion, explaining that he appeared within the Koori Knockout to “simply give back” and that he “will be back” for the Kangaroos sooner or later.
It’s additionally been revealed by News Corp that Mitchell has a court docket date on October 30 — the week of the Pacific Championships remaining.
“Latrell’s finger injury would not have allowed him to train and play for the six weeks required for the PM XIII and Pacific Championships matches,” a Rabbitohs spokesperson advised News Corp.
“The finger wouldn’t have held up to four games of international footy.
“He also has a Magistrates hearing on 30 October in Canberra that he will need to prepare for and focus on. It was a duel combination.
“We have spoken with the NRL and Kangaroos staff about this, and they understand and support the reasons why Latrell is unavailable.”
Mitchell’s listening to is in relation to his arrest together with Jack Wighton after the pair wrestled outdoors a Canberra nightclub in February.
He was charged with combat in a public place, affray and resist territory public official.
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According to News Corp, Mitchell doesn’t need the court docket case to be a distraction for the Kangaroos squad.
The Rabbitohs additionally declare he solely performed 10 minutes of the Koori Knockout over the weekend and was not required to coach.
It comes after Meninga was questioned about Mitchell’s look within the match at Tuesday’s workforce announcement.
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“The South Sydney Rabbitohs said that he’s out because of injury so we’ve just gone with that,” he stated.
“I was a bit surprised (to see Mitchell play in the Koori Knockout) but I think the club gave him permission to do that.
“Knowing Latrell he loves the Koori knockout, he always gets involved, always wants to be part of it all.
“He’s a very proud First Nations person. Obviously he’s got through that tournament well and I look forward to him having a good off-season and playing well next year.”
The Kangaroos play Toa Samoa of their first Test on October 14 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
