South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is facing a one-game ban over his white substance scandal, but the Bunnies are hoping he can start 2025 with a clean slate.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Mitchell, who has been sidelined since July with a Lisfranc injury to his foot, underwent testing early this week, with two independent medicos declaring the 27-year-old cleared to play this week.
Mitchell can serve his suspension once he is declared fit to play, with the Rabbitohs facing his former club, the Sydney Roosters in Round 27.
If approved by the NRL, the Rabbitohs do not need to name Mitchell in the team for this week's game, but medical evidence must be provided proving his fitness.
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If he serves his suspension this week, it would make him eligible to play in Round 1 of the 2025 season with head coach Wayne Bennett at the helm, a move that has drawn some criticism.
"It would be an absolute piss take [to serve the suspension this season]", NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said.
"If you took one of those games that he was never going to play and use that as his suspension ... come on.”
It's been a turbulent season for the Rabbitohs fullback, who has played just 11 games in 2024 between injury and suspension.
He served a three-game ban for a late elbow on Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson in Round 5, before starring for the NSW Blues in Game 2 of State of Origin.
An injury against the Eels in Round 18, saw his season come to an end, later being handed a one-game ban and a $20,000 fine from the NRL after he was served with a breach notice when an image was leaked on social media of him leaning over a white powder, assumed to be an illicit substance.
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Mitchell took to social media last week, acknowledging the incident and taking full responsibility.
"Sometimes in life you make poor decisions and I have accepted that as a man/family man/club man I want to do better," Mitchell wrote.
"I can take this time now to move forward, look ahead, and continue on being the best version of myself.
"Love to all that has supported [me] through this. Very grateful."
