Latrell Mitchell’s enforced spell on the sidelines due to a three-match ban has allowed him to park his frustrations, according to interim South Sydney coach Ben Hornby, who believes the star fullback is primed to deliver a big performance on Saturday.
The Rabbitohs have been gutted by injuries, but they welcome back their talisman against St George Illawarra.
Clearly angry with the way Souths were playing during the round five clash against the Warriors, Mitchell elbowed Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson in the face and was duly suspended for three weeks.
Hornby said that while Mitchell was not expected to beat the Dragons on his own, he had definitely noticed a shift in his attitude while serving his suspension.
Souths are missing around $4million worth of talent due to injuries, and will hand debuts to local junior Dion Teaupa and Matt French, a member of last year’s NSW Cup premiership side, while Gehamat Shibasaki was plucked out of Queensland Cup feeder club the Townsville Blackhawks.
The cavalry will start to return from next week, including Taane Milne (suspension), Alex Johnston (hamstring), and Richie Kennar (foot) and Jacob Gagai (calf).
Latrell Mitchell returns from suspension on Saturday evening.Credit: Getty Images
As for Mitchell, Hornby said: “Latrell has been doing a really good job at training, preparing the boys as best he can, and he’s really engaged at the moment. Trell wants to win, that’s why he is here, he wants to win games.
“Everyone has been frustrated. He’s learned from that [suspension], he’s dealt with it, he’s come back and refreshed, and we’re looking forward to him having a big impact on this game.
“He’s a good person, Latrell. He cares about the team, he cares about the result, he knows he needs to go out there and perform well, and he’ll do that. The last couple of weeks we’ve seen a real change in him.”
Mitchell was shattered when coach Jason Demetriou was cut loose last week, as was Cody Walker, who celebrates his 200th game in the NRL.
Walker will captain Souths as Cam Murray recovers from a hip flexor injury, which is expected to keep him out of action the next couple of months.
Hornby, who was a premiership-winning Dragons’ captain – and will no doubt remain a fan favourite at Nestrata Jubilee Stadium, despite sitting in the opposition coach’s box – likened Walker’s skills to a Manly legend.
“He’s like a modern-day Cliffy Lyons-type of player,” Hornby said. “He’s instinctive, has great ball skills, and is probably the best player I’ve been involved with in that department. He’s looking forward to the game, and I’m sure we’ll get a big game out of him.”
Damien Cook loved having Walker and Mitchell united, and said: “Having Trell back, you get great ball skills – him and Cody are two of the best ball players off the back of shape and decision-making – and you also have that presence out the back … he just draws defenders and opens up opportunities for everyone else.”
Souths are anchored at the bottom of the ladder, while the Dragons are backing up from a local derby in which they threw everything at Cronulla.
Zac Lomax is the Red V danger man, with Hornby hoping the winger “takes it easier on us this week”.
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