07-03-2025
Calls grow louder for Latrell Mitchell switch after Jye Gray stars in Souths' win over Dolphins
Wayne Bennett might have to find a new position for Latrell Mitchell if Jye Gray keeps playing the way he did on Friday night in the Rabbitohs' win over the Dolphins. Gray was involved in everything as Souths won 16-14 in Bennett's first game in charge of the Bunnies since 2021.
Gray had a staggering 25 runs for 213 metres, laying on a try assist and breaking four tackles. He also had a line-break assist and played a hand in the Rabbitohs' match-winning try in the dying stages.
With regular fullback Mitchell set to miss the first month of the season, Gray made the perfect case for why he should keep the No.1 role even when Latrell is back. Debate has been raging since last season about Mitchell's best position, with many of the belief he'd be better suited to playing in the centres.
Mitchell doesn't get through as much work as Gray and can often be found out in defence. He'd slimmed down in the off-season and was being tipped to have a monster season under Bennett, but a hamstring injury has ruined all the fitness gains he made.
It remains to be seen how Mitchell will return, but there's a genuine argument that Souths would be better off with Gray at fullback and Latrell in the centres. And a brutal injury setback for young winger Tyrone Munro might have made the decision easier.
Munro scored two tries on Friday night, but suffered yet another collar bone injury. If he's forced to miss another extended period, Bennett could look to move Campbell Graham to the wing and have Mitchell play centre. It would certainly take some of the load of Mitchell's legs after hamstring, calf and foot injuries in the last two years.
Jye Gray >>> Latrell Mitchell.#RabbitStew
— AdaⓂ (@themary21) March 7, 2025
Jye Gray never ceases to amaze with his bravery and never say die attitude to seize his opportunity. Great to see Stretch Graham back, sorely missed last season, some terrific moments in a gritty win.
— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon) March 7, 2025
Campbell Graham's comeback match tonight was amazing & inspirational! Jye Gray is a star player already.
— Kurt (@KFlahavin) March 7, 2025
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Speaking last month, former NRL player Joel Caine declared Mitchell isn't a fullback and should move to the centres - where he's thrived for NSW and Australia. Mitchell doesn't have the same work-rate as a Dylan Edwards or James Tedesco, but could still roam around the field if he's playing out wider. According to Caine, it's playing with fire making Mitchell play at the back and do so much extra running and grunt work.
"I don't believe he's a fullback," Caine said about Mitchell on SEN radio. "In many degrees I think the same of Tommy Turbo (Trbojevic). These guys are such hard-wired athletes. Why do we need Tommy Turbo, Latrell Mitchell... catching the ball at the back of the field and trucking it up the end of the field? Why don't we put the Porsche's in the garage. Play them in the centres. We don't need them doing all that work and all those carries throughout the year and doubling the load.
"Why do we have to obsess about putting the load on Latrell Mitchell chasing behind the line and covering his line? And the same with Turbo. Why can't we just name them in the centres and let's get Jack Wighton, let's get Reuben Garrick... the smaller bodies to be the tractors, get us out of our own half and then when we get in their half (let them do their thing). There's no rules that say if you play centre you have to be hedged to a certain side for the whole game."
Jimmy Smith expressed similar sentiments last year after a game against the Cowboys in which Mitchell failed to fire. Smith said on SEN radio: 'Physically [Mitchell] is incapable of providing for that team what is required of your fullback. I mean (incapable) by connection to the line in defence, talking to people…where's the organisation of the defensive line? You see this at the ground just how far away, how disconnected, Latrell is from his defensive line. Then there's a lack of involvement, how much involvement? 14 carries for 70 metres. Get him to the centre position.'
