Latrell Mitchell's availability for the remainder of the 2026 season is uncertain as the South Sydney star grapples with complex nerve damage affecting his lower back and left leg.
The 29-year-old is reportedly consulting with a specialist neurologist in an effort to return to the field and aid the Rabbitohs' push for the finals. The club confirmed on Tuesday that there is no official timeline for Mitchell's return, with his recovery being assessed on a week-to-week basis.
Mitchell originally sustained a back injury in week nine against Newcastle, which he aggravated against the Dolphins in week 11. Complications arose during his recovery, with the pain in his calf now believed by the Rabbitohs' medical team to be related to the nerve issue in his back.
"Centre Latrell Mitchell has undergone further investigations and consultation with a specialist neurologist last week," the club stated. "Mitchell is trying to overcome complex nerve damage that initially created complications with a lower back injury, and now a calf issue in his left leg. Mitchell will remain a week-to-week proposition as to a return to the field of play."
This latest setback compounds a history of injury struggles for the New South Wales star, who played just 11 games across the 2024 and 2025 seasons and has appeared in only nine games this year. His absence exacerbates an existing injury crisis for South Sydney, which is currently clinging to seventh place in the league and threatening their top-eight aspirations.
Other key players are also sidelined. Captain Cameron Murray is set for an extended period out with a calf injury, while Tallis Duncan will miss up to three weeks with a hamstring problem.
These injuries add to a list that includes Talanoa Penitani (hamstring), Adam Elliott (ankle), Sean Keppie (thumb), and Dayne Jennings (knee), further straining the team's depth as they approach the end of the regular season.