Latrell Mitchell Injury Update: Back Pain and NRL Return News

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has criticized the NRL for leaking injury news regarding star centre Latrell Mitchell before the club could make an official announcement.

The friction arose after the NRL revealed Mitchell’s absence through the publication of official team lists, where debutant Latrell Siegwalt was named in the No. 23 jersey. In response to the leak, Bennett stated that the league aren’t great at holding secrets.

Injury Details and Match Performance

Mitchell is currently dealing with a bulging disc in his back. According to Bennett, the pain was severe during the match on May 3, 2026, noting that the player was almost in tears by half-time.

Despite the physical distress, Mitchell remained on the field to score a significant try by charging over Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga late in the game. He also scored the match-winning try, though Bennett noted that Mitchell was set upon by five Knights players during the play.

Bennett described the performance as a brave effort, revealing that Mitchell told him he could carry on despite the pain. However, the injury worsened following the match, and by the morning of May 4, 2026, Mitchell could hardly walk.

Recovery Timeline and Return Date

Mitchell received a cortisone injection on May 7, 2026, to manage the injury. While he has reacted well to the treatment, he has been ruled out of the Rabbitohs’ clash against Cronulla on May 9, 2026.

The coach indicated that Mitchell is an outside chance of returning for the match against the Dolphins on May 16, 2026, during Magic Round in Brisbane. Bennett suggested that the player likely should not be sidelined for more than a couple of weeks.

Regarding his representative duties, Bennett expressed confidence that Mitchell will be available for New South Wales in Origin I. With the State of Origin series starting approximately two and a half weeks after May 7, 2026, Bennett stated he does not believe Mitchell is in doubt for the selection.

Roster Changes

The injury has opened the door for Latrell Siegwalt to make his first-grade debut. Siegwalt was spotted training at Heffron Park on May 8, 2026, as he prepares to step into the squad following Mitchell’s absence.