Roosters hooker Brandon Smith avoided a breach notice but was warned for using excessive colourful language on a podcast in the same year.

Several players have sworn on live TV following games, but the NRL has made it clear it wants players protecting the image of the game.

Mitchell has been one of the few positives for Souths in the opening two rounds and will need to be at his barnstorming best if the pride of the league are to avoid a third straight loss against bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters.

The South Sydney No.1’s comments on social media about Roosters prop Spencer Leniu deserving a lengthy ban for calling Ezra Mam a “monkey” have not gone unnoticed by Roosters players.

Senior Rabbitoh Damien Cook said Mitchell was used to having a target on his back and that Friday’s Allianz Stadium grudge match would be no different.

The game will double as Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ 300th game – provided he avoids injury and suspension upon his return against Manly on Sunday – as well as Souths skipper Cam Murray’s 150th and Jack Wighton’s club debut in the red and green.

“I think ‘Trell’ always has that target on his back, but in a good way, like someone like LeBron [James] – he’s that player where if you want to win a game, you have to stop him,” Cook said.

“Latrell has been playing some good footy. No doubt he’s a target for every team.

“If you give him a few chances, nine times out of 10 he’ll make you pay.

“He said what he said about Spencer. He stands up for what he believes in. But he’s put that behind him.

“He’ll make sure he’s doing what he needs to do for the team and getting Souths back in the winner’s circle.”

Cook said Wighton’s arrival could prove the circuit-breaker Souths desperately need.

“I can’t wait for him to play,” Cook said. “Its exciting having him train, he’s a natural football who competes on everything.

“He’s quite physical as well. I’ve been lucky to take the field with him in Origin, and to do that now week in and week out, it’s good timing.

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“We’ve had a couple of losses, and bringing in someone like him, everyone is excited to have him at the club.”

Pressure is also mounting on Souths halfback Lachlan Ilias, with respected commentator Matty Johns leading the calls for Wighton to move into the halves with Cody Walker.

Cook said it was always easy to take aim at the playmakers when teams were struggling, and Ilias had not been helped by his teammates against the Broncos because of “so many ridiculous errors”.