Bennett Hails ‘Loafing’ Latrell Mitchell After Historic Win Against Roosters

Hyperbole isn’t Wayne Bennett’s style, so when the seasoned coach makes a bold claim, you can bet he truly believes it.

The South Sydney coach declared that their win against the Roosters on Friday night ranked among the finest of his coaching career, commending a “loafing” Latrell Mitchell for his crucial contribution in the dying moments of the game.

The gritty comeback against the Roosters was made even more rewarding for Bennett and his squad, especially after losing three players during the match and finishing the final half-hour with just one reserve on the bench.

Starting halves Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker exited with hamstring injuries, while winger Mikaele Ravalawa also had to leave the field.

With stars like Cam Murray, Campbell Graham, and Alex Johnston already sidelined, Souths’ determination to rally back and level at 14-all, culminating in a precise cut-out pass from Latrell Mitchell to Isaiah Tass that clinched the game, earned Bennett significant praise.

“It’s up there. In my coaching career, it ranks with the grand final,” Bennett said, recalling the start of his first-grade coaching journey with Canberra in 1987.

“To surmount what they did tonight against a quality side that was performing well themselves was truly remarkable.

“It’s everything you want from your team; it’s about being part of a group that refuses to give in.

“Words can’t quite capture it. It’s all in the actions, and those moments will linger in your memory for a long time.

“Everyone who participated tonight and anyone who witnessed their fight against adversity will remember that performance.

“When they went up 14-8, it could have easily escalated to 30-8 within ten minutes, yet we ventured down the other end, and no one believed they couldn’t win. No one thought it was over, and they persevered.

“I’ve got a lot of young lads in that team, and they’ve matured significantly. They’re beginning to realise how to win and learning that they’re not as fatigued as they think they are, and how to keep pushing.”

Mitchell, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season, was involved in the decisive play and looked threatening every time he touched the ball, even having a try ruled out in the first half.

He started the match at centre but shifted to the halves due to the injuries, from where he delivered the pass that allowed Tass to score in the corner.

“He probably would have taken it himself but was too exhausted,” Bennett joked.

“He was a bit of a social loafer out there, but he did his job as a superstar. It will take him a bit of time to get back into the rhythm, considering he’s been away from the game for a while, while others are four to five weeks ahead of him.

“He’ll improve week by week from now on.”

Next week, Souths will fly to Perth to face the Cowboys and will likely field a different halves combination, as Walker and Humphreys are both questionable for the match.