Why Ben Hornby expects Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell to breathe fire against the Dragons – ‘really engaged at the moment’
Interim Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby has declared Latrell Mitchell is ready to tear apart the Dragons as he returns from a three-match suspension.
Mitchell was a welcome addition to the team sheet earlier this week, with South Sydney – who sit in 17th spot on the NRL ladder having once just once this season -currently decimated by injuries.
With captain Cameron Murray, halfback Dean Hawkins, forward Jacob Host plus fullback Jye Gray all unavailable, the Red V will be favourites on home soil at Kogarah.
Hornby, a premiership-winning captain with the Dragons in 2010, is happy to adopt the underdog tag – and is tipping Mitchell – who was suspended following an ugly incident involving Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson – will make up for lost time.
The fullback was also said to be devastated after Jason Demetriou was sacked recently.
‘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,’ the coach told reporters this week.
‘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 is refreshed.
‘We are looking forward to him having a big impact on this game.’
Mitchell, 26, can also use the Dragons clash to push his selection claims with NSW for the State of Origin series opener on June 5 in Sydney.
He will be firmly in the mix following the hamstring injury to Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Hornby also compared under pressure five-eighth Cody Walker to Manly great Cliff Lyons.
‘He is instinctive, and has great ball skills, just like Cliffy,’ he added.
‘Cody is looking forward to the game, and I’m sure we’ll get a big game out of him.’