Latrell Mitchell’s Heroics Propel Rabbitohs to Long-Awaited Victory Against Roosters

A touch of brilliance – or perhaps just sheer luck – from Latrell Mitchell has delivered the Rabbitohs a surprising victory, breaking their drought against the Roosters at Accor Stadium.

Trailing 14-8 with less than 20 minutes remaining and seemingly out of gas, the Rabbitohs managed to score consecutive tries, clinching a 20-14 victory.

In what marked his first NRL appearance in nine months, Mitchell executed a dropout kick that appeared far from the 10-metre line, only for a fortunate bounce to send the ball through the air.

Rabbitohs defenders seized the opportunity, and shortly thereafter, a penalty was awarded. Following the ensuing plays, Jye Gray found the try line before Mitchell expertly converted, tying up the game.

Mitchell then delivered a magnificent long pass to set up Isaiah Tass for a try with just ten minutes left, putting the Bunnies ahead once more, before he successfully converted.

“Latrell Mitchell was heroic in his return to the NRL,” remarked Nine caller Brenton Speed during the commentary at full-time.

Mitchell returned from injury to play in the centres, while Gray held onto his spot at fullback.

This marks the first time the Rabbitohs have defeated the Roosters since their notorious ‘Sin Bin Sunday’ match in the 2022 elimination final.

“They looked down and out. The referee had almost given them a standing eight count. It seemed unlikely they would make a comeback,” Phil Gould stated on Nine at full-time.

“They were kicking out on the full, spilling the ball, and struggling to regroup in defence, until Latrell Mitchell stepped in.”

“The former coach, Wayne Bennett, and the miracle worker, Latrell. They could become a formidable duo.”

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Adding to the extraordinary nature of the victory, the Rabbitohs were without both of their halves – Jamie Humphreys was injured early on, while Mikaele Ravalawa succumbed to hamstring issues.

In the opening phase, each team scored in the first 20 minutes, but as the match wore on, the Roosters kept giving the Rabbitohs chances yet somehow managed to hold them at bay.

The Rabbitohs dominated the stats – in possession, tackles, and metres – but failed to convert this dominance into points, trailing 8-6 at half-time.

The Roosters surged in the early part of the second half, with tries from Billy Smith and Dominic Young seemingly securing their victory.

For Smith, it was a highly emotional return to the NRL after 573 days out with injury.

“Billy Smith, well done mate. He slams it down in the corner,” Gould commented.

Andrew Johns remarked that Smith made significant changes to his life to make his return – and to remain on the field.

“He really transformed everything in his life,” Johns noted.

“He adopted an intense diet. Anthony Minichiello advised him on fasting techniques, eliminated alcohol, and altered his training regime.

“One would hope he can enjoy a prolonged period of play without injuries. He’s an incredible player.”

However, after Young scored, the Rabbitohs appeared spent. Mitchell kicked two balls out on the full while chasing 40-20s before executing the pivotal dropout kick.

Johnathan Thurston reflected on Mitchell’s typical performance: “Latrell continues to push for the game. He’s put two kicks out on the full, putting his team under pressure. But when the game is on the line, who has the ball? That’s right, Latrell,” he said.

“These are the critical moments players strive for. There’s no fear of failure at that time; you just go for it. That’s what he embodies, and that’s why he’s among the elite.”