The Rabbitohs hope superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell will be able to serve his looming ban for an off-field incident while out injured.
And that has attracted the ire of the NRL 360 panel with host Braith Anasta saying it would be “an absoulte p**s take” if Mitchell is allowed to do so.
Mitchell is expected to be hit with a one-match suspension and hefty fine after a photo was leaked of him leaning over a white substance in a hotel room in Dubbo.
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It was expected that Mitchell would serve his ban next season given he’s sidelined for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
However, News Corp reports the Rugby League Players’ Association believes that would go against the rules.
“The NRL Rules are clear that a suspension takes effect as soon as it is determined,” RLPA CEO Clint Newton said.
“It is not conditional on a player being available to take the field.”
The rule Newton is referring to states: “If the chief operating officer or the chief executive officer determines to either cancel or suspend the registration of a person… that cancellation or suspension will take effect immediately and, thereafter, the chief operating officer or the chief executive officer shall. as soon as practicable notify the person of that fact.”
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But Anasta believes it “makes no sense” that Mitchell would get to serve his suspension while he’s already not playing due to an injury.
“Surely if the NRL give him the one-match suspension, the club and Latrell would be aware that’s (for) after his injury because this breach and indiscretion was after he was injured,” he said.
“It’s just commonsense isn’t it? It would be an absolute p**s take. If you took one of those games that he was never going to play and use that as his suspension… come on.”
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Even if there is a rule that can work in Mitchell’s favour, rugby league great Gorden Tallis believes the RLPA shouldn’t fight this battle.
“If I was the boss of the Players’ Association, you’ve got to make the players accountable at some stage,” he said.
“And with the footage that we saw, don’t you go ‘hey mate, just cop it on the chin. It was a poor look for rugby league.”
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The NRL does have history in adjusting the time of when a ban must be served. In 2022, Taylan May received a two-game ban after he was found guilty of assault.
However, the governing body moved the ban to the start of the 2023 season, citing the fact the incident took place in October, 2021. This decision allowed May to still play in the 2022 finals series.
Because of this, veteran journalist Paul Crawley pointed out that “obviously someone at the NRL has the power to make this change (to ensure Mitchell serves his when he’s available for selection)” and added: “They’re the bosses of the game, the RLPA are not in charge of the game.”
Riccio believes the NRL will step in to ensure Mitchell serves his ban next season.
“I can’t foresee Andrew Abdo not stepping in and saying ‘he’ll serve the ban when he’s fit and ready’. There’s no other way to see it,” he said.
Source Agencies
