South Sydney are expected to adopt a cautious approach to contract negotiations with star centre Latrell Mitchell as the NRL off-season approaches on November 1. Mitchell, 29, faced a disrupted 2026 campaign after a strong start was curtailed by persistent back and calf injuries, limiting him to just 12 appearances. The Rabbitohs have reportedly put discussions on hold while focusing on their pursuit of success during the September finals, where Mitchell’s absence from the majority of the season affected his impact on the team’s performance.
Mitchell returned for the Rabbitohs’ final three games of the season but was unable to help the side progress in the post-season, with their campaign ending before the grand final stage. Despite injury setbacks, he displayed formidable form early in the season, scoring 11 tries in the opening nine rounds and affirming his status as a potential game-changer when fit. Critics, however, note that injuries have restricted him to 34 games over three years at South Sydney, while supporters emphasize his match-winning influence when available.
If Mitchell opts to enter the player market, he will face competition amid a strong cohort of centres potentially available. Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Herbie Farnworth—linked to the Sydney Roosters—and other players including Billy Smith, Jack Howarth, Deine Mariner, and Valentine Holmes are all potential free agents.
Meanwhile, the NRL has responded to unrest following Newcastle Warriors’ controversial 2-point loss to an Auckland team on Sunday at Eden Park. The match featured several disputed officiating decisions, notably the failure of referee Klein to penalize Warriors player Frizell for an escort play in the final moments, which denied the Warriors an opportunity to force golden point extra time. The NRL confirmed that Klein’s decision was an error but upheld two other contentious rulings after reviewing appeals by Warriors chief executive Cameron George, who sought clarity on a knock-on call against Ali Leiataua and a penalty involving Te Maire Martin. The league stands by those latter decisions as correct.
In the aftermath, officials and players were subjected to safety threats as bottles were thrown at match referees while they exited the field. The NRL condemned the behavior and is collaborating with the Eden Park venue to identify and sanction those responsible in accordance with the league’s Spectator Code of Conduct. The organization emphasized the importance of protecting all match participants and spectators.
Elsewhere, the Penrith Panthers confirmed that star halfback Nathan Cleary will be available for their upcoming preliminary final against Newcastle despite concerns over a stress fracture sustained in the early rounds of the finals. Club deputy chairman Greg Alexander dismissed doubts about Cleary’s fitness during a radio interview, affirming that the player would participate.
The Sydney Roosters are preparing for the return of halfback Sam Walker ahead of their preliminary final against the Dolphins. Walker has been sidelined with an ankle injury requiring surgery but has resumed training in time to potentially feature in Friday’s game.