Worst tragedy: Latrell Mitchell in huge blow for Eels game as Souths in danger of falling back to wooden spoon” as Jason ryles Eel’s officially joins huddles just 20minutes after south medical report. Here’s the sad charges…
Wayne Bennett has confirmed that Latrell Mitchell will miss the Rabbitohs’ clash with Parramatta on Saturday night after suffering a pinched nerve in his back. Mitchell had only just returned from a quad injury last weekend, playing a key role in Souths’ win over the Titans that lifted them off the bottom of the NRL ladder with four rounds left in the regular season. However, fresh misfortune has sidelined him again, with Bennett revealing on Friday that the back issue occurred during last weekend’s match.
The State of Origin player didn’t participate in the captain’s run on Friday morning, with Bayleigh Bentley-Hape expected to switch to centre and Tyrone Munro coming in on the wing. Mitchell made his return in the centres last week after an earlier than expected return from a quad issue that sidelined him for a month, which saw Jye Gray remain at fullback.
“He’s not playing. He’s pinched a nerve in his back and he’s not mobile enough,” Bennett said. “He did it in the game (last week). We’re disappointed he’s not playing but we think he should be back next week.
“He’s disappointed because he’s hardly played any football in the last three months. You can be sad about it, you can be anything you like about it. But the bottom line is that he’s not playing and he’s not fit to play.”
In better news for Souths fans, Bennett said Cody Walker will play and start on the bench. The veteran playmaker has suffered a number of soft tissue injuries this season and struggled to string games together. Walker’s absence has been part of a wider issue that’s seen Souths decimated by an unprecedented injury toll.
Souths players not allowed to talk about wooden spoon
Mitchell’s absence will put Souths in danger of slipping back to the wooden spoon if they lose to Parramatta and the Titans cause an upset over Cronulla. The Rabbitohs and Knights (18) are currently just two points ahead of the last-placed Titans (16), while the Cowboys are on 19 and the Eels 20.
Bennett has never taken the wooden spoon in 37 years of coaching in the premiership, although he did receive one in 1981 while coaching Brothers in the Brisbane Rugby League. “It’s a word we’re not allowed to say,” Jacob Host revealed last week. “He (Bennett) just avoids it at all costs.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries this year and performances in certain areas haven’t been as good as we wanted it to be, but we’re trying to go out there and keep fighting with the gloves up each week.”
Parramatta Eels U19s Forward Phoenix Tauasa Stood Down After Serious Charge
Parramatta Eels Under-19s SG Ball Cup forward Phoenix Tauasa has been stood down from all club duties after being charged in connection with an alleged incident on August 7.
The club confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that Tauasa will not participate in any training sessions, matches, or team activities while the matter is before the courts. The nature of the alleged incident has not been disclosed publicly due to ongoing legal proceedings, but it is understood that the charge relates to an off-field matter.
The Eels released a brief statement, reiterating their commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct across all levels of the organisation:
> “The Parramatta Eels are aware of a police matter involving one of our SG Ball Cup players. The player has been stood down in line with the NRL’s and NSWRL’s no-fault stand-down policy until the matter is resolved. As this is an ongoing legal process, the club will make no further comment at this time.”
The SG Ball Cup is a prestigious under-19s rugby league competition run by the NSWRL, often serving as a stepping stone for young talent into the NRL. Tauasa, regarded as a promising forward in the Eels’ junior system, had been a regular contributor during the recent season.
Under the NSWRL and NRL integrity guidelines, any player charged with a serious offence faces immediate suspension from playing duties under the “no-fault stand-down” rule. The policy is designed to uphold the sport’s reputation and ensure the focus remains on the game while legal matters are resolved.
Legal experts note that the process could take months before reaching a conclusion, depending on the complexity of the case. Tauasa will be afforded the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.
The incident comes at a time when junior rugby league has been under increasing scrutiny over player behaviour and off-field professionalism. The Eels, like many clubs, have been working to educate their young athletes on responsibilities that extend beyond the playing field.
NSWRL is yet to comment in detail but has confirmed they are liaising with the Eels and law enforcement authorities to ensure the integrity of the competition is upheld.
Tauasa’s absence leaves a gap in the Eels’ U19s squad, but the club insists that the welfare of all involved parties, including the player, will be prioritised alongside the judicial process.
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