Souths question financial investment in Latrell Mitchell following latest incident

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes the South Sydney Rabbitohs will come down hard on superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell following his latest indiscretion.

An image of Mitchell with an unknown white substance began to circulate last week and the matter was sent straight to the NRL Integrity Unit who launched an investigation.

The Rabbitohs are set to fine Mitchell a quarter of his current contract which equates to around $250,000 as a result.

Riccio said the Rabbitohs have begun to question whether their heavy investment in Mitchell has paid dividends.

“The narrative coming out of South Sydney is that they are absolutely sick and tired of defending Latrell Mitchell,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“It’s getting to the point where enough is enough.

“In the last four seasons for South Sydney, Mitchell has averaged just 15 games per year.

For injuries, suspensions and otherwise so on the numbers alone, you must start considering if you’re really getting bang for buck.

“What is the value here? There’s a huge amount of frustration here.

“Souths reportedly have the power to fine him a quarter of his salary which sits at around the $1 million mark.

“Whatever South Sydney come up with is only secondary to what the NRL’s punishment will be which I believe is pretty significant at a $25,000 and one game ban.

“It’s only for the fact that Wayne Bennett is coming back to the club is the reason that the club will see it out (with Mitchell).”

When SEN’s Greg Alexander asked Riccio whether he felt the club would part ways with Mitchell if not for the return of Wayne Bennett.

“If it wasn’t Wayne Bennett coming next year, do you think the club would feel better about parting ways (with Mitchell)?” Alexander said.

“Yes I do, Absolutely.” Riccio responded.

Riccio further reported that South Sydney have given Mitchell an extended period of leave.

Principal at Brydens Lawyers and former Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis spoke to SEN about whether South Sydney had the legal right to change terms in Mitchell’s contract.

“The short answer is no,” Hagipatnelis told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“The standard NRL playing contract provides the usual clauses surrounding the behaviour of the player and bringing the club or game in disrepute.

“The club can fine a player no more than one quarter of the match playing fee. It does not provide that the club has the authority or power to mend the terms of the contract.

“It is available by agreement but a contract can’t be altered unilaterally.

“Latrell Mitchell would have to consent to a new employment agreement.”

The Rabbitohs currently sit 15th on the ladder and face Newcastle, Panthers and the Roosters in the run home.