NRL 2024: Latrell Mitchell gets good news on injured foot with surgeons ruling out season-ending surgery

The Rabbitohs have received some encouraging news with superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell told by a surgeon that he doesn’t require season-ending foot surgery for the injury that has ruled him out of the State of Origin decider.

It’s a huge relief for Souths with initial fears that their main man would miss the rest of the season with a foot injury that he suffered after 20 minutes in his side’s win over the Eels last Thursday night where he once again stole the show with a try and a couple of assists in the wet.

“Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has been reviewed by a surgeon this morning and a decision has been made to manage his left mid-foot injury conservatively, meaning he will not require surgery,” a club statement read.

“Mitchell will get another scan and review in a fortnight’s time to ensure the injury is progressing.

“The Rabbitohs will provide further updates at the appropriate time.”

Mitchell’s form has helped Souths surge up the ladder to sit just two points outside the top eight after their horror start to the season – one win in their first 10 matches – cost coach Jason Demetriou his job.

There are now hopes that Mitchell will only miss a few weeks, with Jye Gray to replace him at fullback for Thursday’s showdown with the Dolphins.

Mitchell posted an update on Instagram on Monday evening explaining how disappointed he was to be missing the Origin decider, but Wednesday’s news will come as a huge relief for him and the club.

“Hey my people, I just wanted to do a quick update,” he said in an Instagram reel.

“I know everyone’s heard what’s going on. It’s disappointing, I’m gutted that I can’t represent NSW, but also my precious South Sydney Rabbitohs for the next few weeks.

“NSW still has a job to do and history to create so I’m backing the Blues to get the job done.

“The boys that are coming in, congratulations, and I can’t wait to watch next Wednesday night and give it to some Queenslanders up at Suncorp.

“All my best to my brothers who bleed blue.”

His teammates are just relieved he’s not out for the season, and they have full faith in Gray to keep their momentum going.

“I didn’t quite know (how bad it was). I knew he was talking about something to do with his foot at halftime in the game, but I didn’t think much of it because he finished the game,” Souths halfback Cody Walker said.

“Hearing he was out of Origin and not able to represent South Sydney was very disappointing and we were all sad for him because he’s got himself in a position where he’s playing unbelievable football at the moment and it feels like nothing can stop him.

“Our star player has gone down, but it gives a wonderful opportunity for a young guy to come in and do his role.

He’s not there to be Latrell Mitchell because I don’t think anyone in the game can do that.

“We just want Jye to be Jye.”