‘In sync with the rest of us’: Wayne Bennett’s message to Latrell Mitchell ahead of mouthwatering return against the Roosters

Master coach Wayne Bennett has a simple message for Latrell Mitchell when the superstar fullback returns from a hamstring injury next week – just do your job for the team and everything will be fine. Mitchell hasn’t played a game this year after he injured his hamstring during a horror day in the pre-season when skipper Cam Murray also went down with an Achilles injury at training. Jye Gray has done a magnificent job filling in at the back, with Bennett indicating he’s done enough to keep his spot in the 17 next week, but most likely off the bench. Mitchell’s return against his former side the Roosters is a huge boost for a club that is flying high with a 3-1 record, with the Bunnies stunning Penrith on Thursday night thanks to a first-half blitz. “We’ve won three of four with a number of players missing, so all Latrell has got to do is come in and do his job for us. We don’t want him doing any more than that,” Bennett said. “He’s a wonderful player and we all know what he brings, but we need him to be in sync with the rest of us, getting the job done and working hard. “I’m sure he’ll do all that. I have no more expectations of him than that.” While Mitchell will bring his attacking brilliance to Accor Stadium, Souths will likely be without try-scoring machine Alex Johnston who hurt his shoulder in his first game back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2024 campaign. Johnston made a break with his first touch but hurt himself a few minutes later when he scored in the left corner, with the winger able to play through the pain before he was ruled out at half-time. “He’s pretty good,” Bennett said. “We’re not quite sure whether he’ll miss a game or a couple of games, but it’s not on the too serious list.” Thursday’s result was one of the biggest upsets of the year, with a Souths side missing Mitchell, Murray and Campbell Graham dominating the four-time premiers who were without Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards. Bennett was asked if this was the sort of win that would make the rest of the league take his side more seriously, but he said that’s never been an issue. “I think they always turn up and take notice of South Sydney,” he said. “There are too many quality players, and when they’re together, you can’t underestimate them. “Penrith had some wonderful players missing, but so did we. These are the times of the year that if you’re doing it a bit rough and can get the wins, it really helps you get to the back end of the year when maybe a few players are available.”