Latrell back for Bunnies — but Wayne’s swapped his role

Latrell Mitchell is back for the South Sydney Rabbitohs this weekend, but he won’t be slotting back into his usual Bunnies fullback role like many would have expected before the 2025 NRL season got underway.

Instead, Wayne Bennett has gone against his original claims — that Latrell would get his number one jersey back no matter what — and will be selecting Jye Gray at fullback for round five.

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The huge call means Mitchell will instead run out in the centres for the Rabbitohs.

The Sporting Base understands there’ll be a shuffle in the backs to accommodate; Jack Wighton will play out on the right side of the field, while Latrell will plug into his preferred left. Alex Johnston would be playing outside Latrell usually, but a rib injury on Thursday has put him in doubt and he may not take the field.

Gray, 21, currently leads the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds. He’ll get the first chance to keep the fullback jumper with him and Latrell both in contention. He has undoubtedly been incredible there — it’s a wise call from the supercoach.

While Bennett and Latrell haven’t spoken to the media today, Jai Arrow said Mitchell was bringing his “aura” back this week.

“He’s pretty scary when he gets the ball in his hand out there – he brings so much confidence to our side,” Arrow said.

The Rabbitohs back-rower then all but confirmed the positional switch that’ll be locked in come 4pm: “Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Latrell Mitchell, and Isaiah Tass – that’s a pretty lethal edge. We’ve already spoken about how we’ll be doing all the tough stuff and all the tackling and yardage carries… the left side will be attacking all day.

“I know ‘Tassy’ [Tass] will be licking his lips playing outside Latrell

“I also know Euan Aitken will be having nightmares tonight after training against him out there.”

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Elsewhere in the Bunnies team, Lachlan Hubner is expected to return from injury at lock.