Souths boss Blake Solly said at the time: “If Latrell or Brielle or any of the family want to take the matter further with police, they would have the full support and assistance of the club.”

Police later determined a youth offender was responsible for the death threats.

Once Mitchell was suspended, few expected Souths to reach the grand final - and even fewer anticipated his rookie replacement Blake Taaffe to perform the way he has.

Souths skipper Adam Reynolds said Mitchell still had an important role to play this week, especially given he was already a two-time premiership winner with the Roosters.

“He’s a big part of our squad, we love having him around and he’s a quality player,” Reynolds said.

“He’ll be helping prep us for the big game ahead. It’s never easy missing regular-season games let alone a Grand Final, and you want to be a part of it.

“He’s still very much a part of it and has a major role to play for us. A few of the boys will be leaning on him for advice because he’s been in grand finals before and knows what it takes.”

As for Taaffe surviving the pressure of a grand final in just his eighth NRL game, Reynolds said: “He’s been terrific for us. His personality, the way he’s been brought up, the players around him who make him feel comfortable and have the belief in him ... he’s got a huge future in the game.”

Manu is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 with the New Zealand Warriors keen ot luring the youngster home. The Roosters remain confident he will stay put and extend his Bondi stay by a further two years.