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Rabbitohs interim coach Ben Hornby has conceded a permanent shift to the front-line could be on the cards for Latrell Mitchell after a drought-breaking round 12 win.
After a horror stretch for the club, South Sydney finally returned to the winner’s circle on Saturday night, coming away with a 42-26 triumph over the Parramatta Eels.
With the likes of Cody Walker and Cameron Murray already out of action, the side lost Jack Wighton due to a head knock and were forced into a major reshuffle, which ultimately saw Mitchell shift into the halves and Damien Cook move to centre.
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Speaking post-game, Hornby admitted he was open to the idea of keeping Mitchell in the halves, especially given the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
”I loved it – I’ve thought about it before and it was great to have a chance to put him there,” he told Fox League.
“He’s a great player Latrell and when he gets his hands on the ball, he’s electric.
“We’ve got decisions to make now – quite possibly [we will look at it]. At the end of the day, we’ve got to pick the players in positions to get the job done.
“If that’s what we think is the right way to go, then we will do it.”
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Mitchell finished with three try assists and 110 run metres against the Eels, but faces a nervous wait after being sin binned for a hip-drop tackle.
The 26-year-old could potentially face suspension, which would rule him out of potential NSW Blues selection, but may also escape with a fine and be free to play.
When quizzed on whether he would be open to playing in the No.6 jumper this season, Mitchell gave a trademark response.
“My lungs were burning, but I really loved it,” the stand-in captain said.
“Jack went off, poor fella, but that’s what we are here to do – our backs were against the wall and we showed up tonight.”
South Sydney will receive a bye next weekend, giving them an extra two points as they look to turn their NRL campaign around.
