Demetriou says matured Mitchell deserves captaincy shot

After watching Latrell Mitchell grow as a leader over the last two seasons, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou believes his star fullback is ready for the responsibility of captaining the Rabbitohs for the first time this Friday.

With usual captain Cameron Murray out on Origin duty, Mitchell has been selected to lead the Rabbitohs against the Newcastle Knights ahead of the likes of Cody Walker and Thomas Burgess.

Demetriou said Mitchell, who returned to the side last weekend following almost three months out with a hamstring injury, has been growing as a leader on and off the field and has earned the right to captain the team.

“It’s part of his journey as a leader and I think it’s a good opportunity for him to step up this week,” Demetriou said.

“I think over the last couple of years it’s been a steady journey. Obviously [having] a couple of injuries as a young bloke makes you realise that you’ve got to mature in terms of how you prep and he’s done that.

I love working with Trell, I have enjoyed working with him over the last two and a half years and he’s got better every year.

Jason Demetriou

“He’s done everything in the game, so if I was a young player I’d definitely be leaning towards him that’s for sure.”

The honour comes after Mitchell ruled himself out of contention for New South Wales ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin decider, instead wanting to focus on getting back to his best with the Rabbitohs following his injury layoff.

In the 30-12 victory over Parramatta in Round 16 Mitchell ran for a personal season-best 145 metres, and in a good sign for the health of his hamstring, handled the goal-kicking well with five conversions from as many attempts.

South Sydney will be without another of their key leaders on Friday night against Newcastle, with forward Mark Nicholls failing to be passed fit after suffering a concussion against the Eels.

That opens the door for new signing Daniel Suluka-Fifita, who less than a week ago was still on the Roosters’ books, to make his club debut.

Recently the Rabbitohs have lost centre Campbell Graham to a facial injury and prop Liam Knight to a season-ending ACL injury suffered in reserve grade. Forward Hame Sele will also be out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring issue.

Demetriou said while the spate of injuries is frustrating, he is backing the club’s depth to get his side through.

“We spoke a month ago about prepping guys through our NSW Cup to get ready to play first grade and that month of prep has got them ready to play,” Demetriou said.

“We knew we’d be down on numbers anyway at this time of the year.

“It’s worked out well to have Michael Chee Kam and Jed Cartwright back, I am excited to have them back playing first grade.”