Damning reason behind calls for Latrell Mitchell shift as Bennet faces tough decision
Bennett has mostly named Mitchell in the No.1 jersey this year when fit, but opted to play their star in the centres due to a lack of options due to injury against the Titans. And the Rabbitohs talisman helped set-up the first try for Alex Johnston in the 20-18 win.
The victory saw the Rabbitohs jump the Titans on for and against with Gold Coast now sitting in the wooden spoon position. Although both teams are fighting to avoid last place going forward with a number of huge games emerging. And Bennett is now facing a tough call on whether to keep the winning formula or shift Mitchell back to fullback.
Gray was excellent against the Titans on the weekend having run for 181 metres and offered a lively presence at the back for the Rabbitohs. The team has benefited from Gray's energy back in the side having missed him for a number of weeks after his round 15 setback.
And leading NRL commentator Andrew Voss has claimed Bennett should leave Gray in the No.1 jersey with the stats proving the team have benefited when he is at the back. The Rabbitohs have won five of 12 games when Gray has lined-up at fullback in 2025, according to NRL.com.au.
However, they have only won two of seven games when Mitchell was playing fullback. While there are plenty of factors to consider when tossing up the skills they bring to the team, Voss feels the Rabbitohs look better with Gray at fullback and Mitchell at centre.
'I said it at the start of the year. Remember at the start of the year when Latrell wasn't there, Souths were winning games," Voss said on SEN Radio. 'I just think Jye Gray, in that particular side, is the energiser bunny. I think he is a first grader and his only position is fullback.'
NRL great Greg Alexander wasn't as convinced as Voss and claimed he would move Mitchell back when fully fit. 'I'm not confident Jye Gray is the man," he added. 'Where would Jye Gray fall in the pecking order of fullbacks?'
Voss pointed out Gray's energy at the back benefited the Rabbitohs and he would leave Mitchell at centre. And Alexander accepted if playing centre meant Mitchell could play the majority of a season then it could be worth it keeping him there going forward. Mitchell has only played 11 games so far for the side in 2025 due to injury and State of Origin.
'I think after playing less than half of games over the last three years, it is worth a roll of the dice to leave Latrell in the centres," he added. 'He can still have an impact on the game. He only needs 10 touches and he can come up with a couple of try assists, a line break and a big play. He can do that in the centres. It's worth having him play a bigger part of the season."
Wayne Bennett praises Latrell Mitchells return
This isn't the first time this season fans have debated where Mitchell's best position is for the Rabbitohs. Fans will find out where Mitchell is named for the clash against the Eels on the weekend with a win maybe enough to help Bennett avoid his first ever wooden spoon.
The coach was full of praise for Mitchell on the weekend having returned and captained the side from left centre. Mitchell hadn't played in a number of weeks due to a quad injury, but was ready instrumental in the win.
"We probably don't win if he doesn't play," Bennett said. "The other guys have all been playing their hearts out and doing their best. He's just a quality player, in the top four or five in the country, and showed that today."
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