Latrell Mitchell limped from the field late in the 32-10 win by the Dolphins over South Sydney, casting doubt on his availability for NSW in the upcoming State of Origin series. The strike Rabbitohs centre entered the Magic Round clash at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night after a week off due to a back injury. He started limping minutes before being replaced in the 73rd minute.
Injury Concerns for Mitchell
The Blues are set to pick their side on Sunday night, and Mitchell was a certainty to be selected if fit. However, his late exit has raised questions about his fitness. Coach Wayne Bennett downplayed the injury post-match, stating, 'He's not too bad. I don't think there's anything serious there. I think he was just kind of cramping up a bit.' Bennett added, 'If Latrell is fit to play Origin, he will play. If he's not fit, he won't be playing.'
Rabbitohs' Inconsistency Frustrates Bennett
The seven-time premiership-winning coach was left baffled by his side's inconsistency after a strong win over Cronulla the previous week. 'We've had three really good wins and next week we've turned up and played rubbish,' he said. 'It's worse than frustrating. It just kind of gets to the embarrassing stage because there is no logic to why they're doing it except what's probably happening in their heads through the week, happy with themselves, I don't know. It's an obvious trend right now, so we've got to get on top of it.'
Murray on Report, Origin Hopes
To make matters worse, NSW certainty Cameron Murray was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. The Rabbitohs captain hasn't played Origin since 2024 and is eager to return. 'I'd be sad about it, for sure,' Murray said. 'I love playing in the NSW jersey, so it would be disappointing.'
Dolphins Rise to Top Eight
The Dolphins entered the top eight for the first time this season on the back of their third consecutive win. It was their best performance of the season and one of the most mature in their history against a bumbling Rabbitohs outfit that made too many errors. Hooker Max Plath was brilliant throughout, moving into a ball-playing lock role, and appears set to make his Queensland debut in State of Origin. 'Max builds his game on such a solid foundation of working hard and turning up on both sides of the ball,' said Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert. 'He is always in the game mentally and physically.'
Costly Win for Dolphins
However, the win came at a cost for the Redcliffe-based side, with five-eighth Kodi Nikorima failing to return in the second half after suffering a hamstring injury. Nikorima and halfback Isaiya Katoa combined brilliantly in the opening stanza, leading the Dolphins to a 20-0 halftime lead—the first time this season they kept an opponent scoreless in the first half. Centre Jack Bostock outplayed opposite number Mitchell.
Match Highlights
The Dolphins absorbed plenty of Rabbitohs pressure early and hit back at the other end. The opening try showcased the passing skills of halves Nikorima and Katoa before centre Herbie Farnworth put flying winger Selwyn Cobbo away. Plath's show-and-go from 10 metres out fooled the Rabbitohs defenders, and he surged over under the posts. Katoa and Nikorima combined again, with Farnworth the beneficiary. When Bostock crashed past Mitchell in the second half, the Dolphins led 24-0. The Rabbitohs rallied, with Mitchell setting up Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and half Ashton Ward setting up Euan Aitken. Dolphins superstar Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow iced the win with a late try.
