Latrell Mitchell is preparing for a carefully managed NRL comeback, while James Tedesco’s troubling injury has created fresh uncertainty for the Roosters.
Mitchell is set to return for South Sydney against the Gold Coast in Round 26 after spending approximately three months sidelined by a complicated nerve issue involving his back and calf.
Rather than immediately restoring the representative star to the starting side, the Rabbitohs are expected to use him from the interchange for approximately 20 minutes.
The cautious approach would allow Mitchell to test the injury under match conditions before potentially taking on a larger role against the Roosters in South Sydney’s final regular-season game.
It represents an extraordinary turnaround after the Rabbitohs previously confirmed Mitchell had been referred to a neurologist because of the complexity of the injury.
However, the news is considerably less encouraging for the Roosters.
Tedesco’s Injury More Complicated Than First Feared
James Tedesco remains in doubt for the Roosters’ clash with the Dolphins, with the problem reportedly involving a membrane issue rather than the minor ankle injury initially suspected.
That distinction matters because it makes the captain’s recovery harder to predict at a crucial point in the season.
Tedesco had already missed two matches before being named to return against Wests Tigers. Although his inclusion initially appeared to signal that the problem was behind him, the latest update means his availability should not be treated as certain until the Roosters complete their final fitness checks.
For a side fighting to secure the strongest possible finals position, losing its captain and most dangerous support player would be an enormous setback.
Cody Ramsey provides an alternative at fullback, but replacing Tedesco’s communication, defensive organisation and ability to turn half-chances into tries is another matter entirely.
Reynolds Era Officially Over in Brisbane
There will be no emotional Suncorp Stadium farewell for Adam Reynolds when Brisbane faces Melbourne.
The 36-year-old has confirmed his immediate retirement after persistent calf problems prevented him from preparing for either of the Broncos’ remaining matches.
“All NRL careers come to an end and unfortunately mine is today,” Reynolds said.
“I won’t be playing this week or next week.”
Reynolds finishes with 323 NRL appearances across 15 seasons and premierships with South Sydney in 2014 and Brisbane in 2025. Ben Hunt is expected to continue carrying Brisbane’s playmaking responsibilities in his absence.
Bulldogs Hit by Untimely Illness
Canterbury’s preparation for its crucial meeting with Penrith has also been disrupted by a COVID outbreak reportedly affecting approximately 10 players and staff members.
The outbreak does not automatically mean every affected player will be unavailable, but it has complicated training and created uncertainty around the Bulldogs’ final line-up.
Penrith has its own selection problem after Jack Cogger accepted a three-match suspension for a high tackle. Jack Cole and Blaize Talagi are among the options available to replace him in the halves.
Elsewhere, the Warriors have lost Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to a fractured collarbone, although the winger may still be capable of returning during the finals.
Newcastle will be without Dominic Young and Tyson Frizell after both accepted suspensions arising from dangerous tackles.
The major Round 26 developments were detailed by Fox Sports, with final availability still subject to each club’s late changes.
For the Rabbitohs, Mitchell’s return offers unexpected hope. For the Roosters, the uncertainty surrounding Tedesco could hardly have arrived at a worse time.
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