Latrell Mitchell facing season-ending blow as specialist called in

Latrell Mitchell’s hopes of returning to the field this season have suffered a significant blow, with the Rabbitohs superstar now reportedly facing the possibility that he has already played his last game of 2026.

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Mitchell has reportedly been referred to a neurologist as South Sydney’s medical staff continue searching for answers behind the injury issues that have prevented his long-awaited return according to reports at CODE Sports.

The representative star was initially expected to miss only a short period after suffering a lower back complaint earlier this season, with the Rabbitohs hoping to have him back in time for the State of Origin series.

Instead, his comeback has been repeatedly delayed after he sustained a calf injury during training, with the latest setback believed to be linked to an underlying nerve issue stemming from his back.

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The Rabbitohs are now reportedly unable to guarantee Mitchell will return before the end of the season, leaving his availability uncertain while specialists work to determine the best course of treatment.

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It is another frustrating chapter in Mitchell’s recent injury struggles, with the superstar continuing to battle fitness issues over the past three seasons and again being restricted to limited appearances in 2026.

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The uncertainty also comes at a difficult time for South Sydney, which remains firmly in the finals race but is battling an increasing injury toll, with star forwards Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan both ruled out for multiple weeks today.

Currently sitting in seventh position and facing critical games against the Storm and Sharks over the next fortnight, it appears likely the Rabbitohs could miss out on playing finals football.

After a disastrous 2025 that saw the Rabbitohs record the highest injury toll in the league, 2026 started on a much better note, with the club looking like a genuine top-four contender just a month ago.

The good fortune has seemingly turned, however, with a mix of injuries and indifferent form threatening to derail another season at Redfern, and that is only going to present an even bigger challenge if Mitchell is unable to take the field again.

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