Latrell Mitchell primed to deliver for South Sydney Rabbitohs, says Ben Hornby

Latrell Mitchell’s enforced spell on the sidelines due to a three-match ban has allowed him to park his frustrations, according to interim South Sydney coach Ben Hornby, who believes the star fullback is primed to deliver a big performance on Saturday.

The Rabbitohs have been gutted by injuries, but they welcome back their talisman against St George Illawarra.

Clearly angry with the way Souths were playing during the round five clash against the Warriors, Mitchell elbowed Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson in the face and was duly suspended for three weeks.

Hornby said that while Mitchell was not expected to beat the Dragons on his own, he had definitely noticed a shift in his attitude while serving his suspension.

Souths are missing around $4million worth of talent due to injuries, and will hand debuts to local junior Dion Teaupa and Matt French, a member of last year’s NSW Cup premiership side, while Gehamat Shibasaki was plucked out of Queensland Cup feeder club the Townsville Blackhawks.

The cavalry will start to return from next week, including Taane Milne (suspension), Alex Johnston (hamstring), and Richie Kennar (foot) and Jacob Gagai (calf).

As for Mitchell, Hornby said: “Latrell has been doing a really good job at training, preparing the boys as best he can, and he’s really engaged at the moment. Trell wants to win, that’s why he is here, he wants to win games.

“Everyone has been frustrated. He’s learned from that [suspension], he’s dealt with it, he’s come back and refreshed, and we’re looking forward to him having a big impact on this game.