Add Category
Abdo was asked if a decision would be made on Wednesday but said he was not sure. He also didn’t specify how the NRL would assess the medical information from South Sydney.
Latrell Mitchell (left) and his brother Shaq Mitchell (right) at South Sydney Rabbitohs training on TuesdayCredit: Kate Geraghty/SMH
“We are working on that assessment, it is a unique circumstance so we are doing our due diligence,” Abdo said.
“I’m not going to talk publicly on our processes because that is a matter for us at the moment but we will be transparent once we have finalised those processes.”
Mitchell was restricted to riding an exercise bike on the sideline at training on Tuesday but Sydney insist he is fit to play against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
Some commentators have been critical of Souths for wanting Mitchell to serve a ban in a game he was never going to play in.
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said last month: “It would be an absolute piss-take [to serve a suspension this year]. If you took one of those games that he was never going to play and use that as his suspension ... come on.”
After seeking clarification from the NRL, Souths were told they would have to provide medical evidence that Mitchell is fit for Friday’s clash with Souths for his suspension to be served this week. Mitchell did not have to be named for the game.
Latrell Mitchell leaves Souths after fronting a board meeting last week.Credit: Nick Moir
Souths chief executive Blake Solly said the club had not bent any rules and provided an all-clear for Mitchell from three independent doctors.
Solly added Mitchell would have taken part in Tuesday’s field session on a cool morning at Heffron Park, but there was no point given he was already banned from playing.
“The only consideration for us was providing medical evidence requested by the NRL, which we have now done,” Solly told this masthead on Tuesday morning. “Latrell has been examined by three doctors, who all agreed he was fit and available to play this weekend.
“We aren’t concerned at all with any of the speculation to suggest otherwise. We’re following the NRL’s determination to the letter. That’s the only thing that is important to us.”
Mitchell was fined $20,000 by the NRL and issued a one-match ban for the Dubbo photo, which they said had brought the game into disrepute.
Souths also fined Mitchell $100,000, with $80,000 suspended.
Loading
Souths risk finishing as low as 16th should they lose to the Roosters on Friday.
It has been a tough year for a club expected to push for the title. Coach Jason Demetriou was sacked after eight rounds, while Mitchell was restricted to 11 games because of injuries and suspensions.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now