Souths cop more bad news about Latrell as mystery around Penrith ace deepens

Yahoo

21 hours ago

Souths have received mixed news ahead of Thursday night's clash with the equally injury-ravaged Dragons, with Latrell Mitchell again ruled out and another star set to return. While the mystery surrounding Panthers star Isaah Yeo's shoulder injury has deepened, with the Penrith co-captain named on the extended bench for Friday night's must-win clash against NRL ladder-leaders Canberra.
Yeo has not played since injuring himself in the round 22 win against Gold Coast, and Penrith have remained tight-lipped about his prognosis. Coach Ivan Cleary said after the injury that Yeo had not completely dislocated his right shoulder, but admitted the club was unsure about the extent of the damage and when he would likely return.
But Yeo revealed over the weekend that he was eyeing a comeback for the crucial game against the Raiders, which Penrith feel they'll have to win to keep their top-four hopes alive. "I'm a chance of playing, I think. My shoulder's coming along well," Yeo said on Fox League.
"These are the games you want to be playing at the moment. We've got a really tough run at the moment, which is good for us leading into the finals. They're the ones you want to be out there for. I'm trying to get out there."
Penrith need to beat the Raiders to remain in the hunt for an all-important top-four finish after going down in a controversial golden point loss to Melbourne last week. That saw the four-time reigning premiers drop to fifth on the ladder - one point behind the fourth-placed Warriors who are expected to beat the lowly Titans this weekend.
Yeo has barely missed any games for Penrith across their long dynasty, barring absences for Origin and being rested after rep games. And his inclusion on the extended bench is the clearest indication yet that the Panthers co-captain is ready to return for the business end of the season.
Veteran forward Matt Eisenhuth would most likely drop out of the Penrith 17 to accommodate Yeo's return if he does prove his fitness for the Raiders blockbuster in Mudgee. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart looks set to stick with the same side that beat Manly in round 23, and will be hoping last week's bye will have his Raiders fresh as they push for the minor premiership.
Latrell Mitchell out again amid shock return for Souths forward
Meanwhile, Souths will be without their superstar fullback Mitchell for a second-straight week, as he battles a pinched nerve in the back that kept the 28-year-old out of last week's stirring four-point win over Parramatta. Mitchell has been left out of Wayne Bennett's extended squad entirely, and the best-case scenario would see him return for the final round grudge match against the Roosters, after Souths' bye in round 26.
Jye Gray will continue to deputise for Mitchell after impressing at fullback this season, with the diminutive No.1 putting in a man-of-the-match display against the Eels last week. Tallis Duncan has been named in the centres to cover for the loss of Bayleigh Bentley-Hape (concussion), while Jai Arrow shifts to the back-row to accomodate the return of Lachlan Hubner.
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The Rabbitohs have also been given a massive boost, with star forward Keaon Koloamatangi set for a shock return from a syndesmosis injury that looked to have ended his season. The Dragons have had to make three major changes with Hamish Stewart, Jack de Belin and Hame Sele all entering the concussion protocol. It means Jacob Halangahu and Ben Murdoch-Masila have been named to start and Blake Lawrie joining the bench, alongside last week's 18th man, Tyrell Sloan.
with AAP