Latrell revs up Rabbitohs machine
Latrell Mitchell has produced arguably his best game in South Sydney colours to orchestrate a 32-12 win over Gold Coast, snapping a three-game losing streak last night.
Mitchell scored a try and set up three others to push his team into a 20-point lead before the Rabbitohs were forced to withstand a second-half rally from the Titans.
Mitchell sealed the two points with a sublime shimmy and flick pass for Dane Gagai’s second try in the 76th minute at Bankwest Stadium.
The match also marked the anticipated return of Cody Walker following his controversial two-game ban for his role in a street fight in December.
The star five-eighth slotted seamlessly back onto South Sydney’s left edge, where he set up a try for Alex Johnston in the first half.
Rabbitohs skipper Adam Reynolds kicked a perfect six of six with the boot.
The win lifts the Rabbitohs to within sight of the top eight on four points, while Gold Coast remain rooted near the bottom of the table in 15th spot.
The contest started disastrously for Mitchell, whose kick-off sailed out.
But the clanger proved his only blemish, with the player immediately redeeming himself when he crashed over from close range just three minutes later.
Gold Coast opposite Phillip Sami got one back soon after, but the Rabbitohs responded quickly when Johnston pounced on a Walker grubber.
Wayne Bennett’s side looked set to run away with the game thereafter, with Mitchell putting Gagai over with his hands, then Braidon Burns with his feet.
Bryce Cartwright’s try soon after resumption gave the Titans a glimmer of hope, and was the start of an improved showing in the second half from the Queenslanders.
But Mitchell added the finishing touches late in the contest.
Issac Luke is set to depart St George Illawarra immediately, but embattled coach Paul McGregor has dismissed speculation of player unrest.
Luke was named to face Cronulla today, but will be granted an immediate release to join an injury-hit Brisbane side.
McGregor confirmed Luke approached the club two weeks ago about a move into the sunshine state, where he has family.
McGregor denied the Kiwis hooker is disgruntled with the club.