Why Latrell Mitchell will be allowed to line up for round one of the 2025 NRL season despite being suspended

Latrell Mitchell might be available for the Rabbitohs in the first round of the 2025 NRL season under new coach Wayne Bennett. 

This depends on whether Mitchell opts to serve his one-game suspension during the NRL All Stars game, which is expected to remain in February 2025. 

Mitchell received the suspension and a $20,000 fine after a photo emerged showing him with a white substance in a Dubbo hotel room earlier this year.

He is yet to serve that suspension after sitting out the final two months of the season through injury. 

South Sydney’s efforts to have him serve the ban during the 2024 season were denied by the NRL due to his injury status.

Mitchell has played in all six editions of the Indigenous All Stars game and captained the side to victory against the Maori All Stars earlier this year. 

New Souths coach Wayne Bennett may have Latrell at his disposal in round one because of a loophole

Reports suggest the NRL is likely to keep the game in February rather than moving it to October, despite initial plans to align it with post-season celebrations of Indigenous contributions. 

Several senior Indigenous players opposed the shift, preferring the February schedule for better preparation and player readiness. 

If the game remains in February, Mitchell can apply to serve his suspension during this match instead of the Rabbitohs’ season opener.

The NRL is expected to finalize its 2025 schedule soon, with the All Stars game likely to stay in its pre-season slot. 

Mitchell has resumed training with South Sydney, reportedly losing 5kg during the off-season as he prepares for the new season. 

He played only 11 games in 2024 due to injuries and suspensions, including missing State of Origin after a standout performance in Game 2.

The NRL denied Mitchell’s request to serve his suspension during the international season, leaving him eligible only for the 2025 fixtures. 

‘The player will serve the one-match suspension when he is fit and available to play in the 2025 NRL season,’ said an NRL spokesperson. 

Sources confirmed the league had initially considered moving the All Stars match to October to create a post-season celebration of Indigenous rugby league.

The plan included aligning the Indigenous All Stars with the Queensland Murray Carnival and the Koori Knockout for three consecutive weekends. 

This proposal aimed to transition into the international calendar with potential games featuring Indigenous teams against tier-two nations. 

However, Indigenous players and the Rugby League Players Association highlighted logistical and physical challenges with the end-of-season schedule.