Latrell is back, but struggling Souths still missing $4m of talent

Latrell Mitchell is back, but suspension and injuries continue to tear apart South Sydney – who have $4 million worth of talent sidelined.

Stand-in fullback Jye Gray will undergo ankle surgery and be out for up to six weeks, while halfback Dean Hawkins could miss even longer after tearing his quad during Thursday’s 42-12 loss to Penrith.

To illustrate how bleak things have become at Souths, only three players – Tallis Duncan, Dion Teaupa and Adam Christensen – are available for interim coach Ben Hornby to bring into the squad for next Saturday’s clash against St George Illawarra.

Christensen, a back-rower who has been playing in the centres, could yet be ruled out through suspension after being placed on report in the NSW Cup on Thursday.

Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray is facing six weeks on the sidelines.

Jacob Host is also facing a two-match ban after being charged with dangerous contact following a tackle on Penrith’s Brad Schneider.

It has been a tough week for Souths, with coach Jason Demetriou sacked and assistant Hornby elevated to the interim role.

Hornby praised the effort shown by his players against the premiers, but the immediate challenge will be fielding a side against his former club the Dragons.

Hawkins tore his quad muscle while taking a kick-off and is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Jack Wighton joined Cody Walker in the halves for the remainder of the Panthers game.

Gray will undergo ankle surgery on Monday after being injured in a hip-drop tackle by Izack Tago, who faces a one-match ban. He had hoped to retain the No.1 jersey, but his layoff allows Mitchell to slot straight back in at fullback.

Mitchell was suspended for three matches for elbowing New Zealand Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson in the face. He was originally tipped to return via the centres, but has tried to set the standard by throwing everything at the first team during opposed sessions at training.

Skipper Cam Murray welcomed Mitchell’s return, but warned he would not solve the club’s long list of problems. Souths will finish the weekend at the bottom of the NRL ladder.

“He’s been training well and prepping us really well – he’s been carving up at training,” Murray said of Mitchell.

“Latrell plays best when he keeps it simple in his head. We’re not expecting him to come in and solve all our problems, and make us the in-form team of the NRL.

“We just want him to come in and be him. Obviously, he has a presence about him. He’ll come in and boost our mood and confidence. We just want Latrell to be Latrell.”

There were fears Jai Arrow had re-injured his shoulder late in the game, but he will be free to face the Dragons.

Wighton said he felt for Demetriou, but that the players had to dig deep. “We’re in the trenches together,” he said.

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