Mitchell cleared for centre battle with Dolphins gun
By JOEL GOULD
Latrell Mitchell has been passed fit to play for South Sydney with Wayne Bennett talking up the talisman’s centre battle with Dolphins’ rising star Jack Bostock.
Mitchell missed last week’s win over Cronulla with a back injury, but got through captain’s run at Langlands Park in Brisbane on Thursday.
“Latrell is fit to play,” Bennett said.
“He has met all the protocols and feels good and wants to play.”
Bennett confirmed left centre Mitchell won’t be taking on the goalkicking duties.
“He could aggravate (the injury) with a leg swing through the ball so we are keeping it simple for him,” Bennett said.
When asked whether Queensland should now “be worried”about Mitchell’s presence in the State of Origin series opener on May 27, Bennett was quick to respond.
“I am not worried about Queensland right now. It is about getting through tomorrow,” Bennett quipped.
“If he is picked for NSW there is a 12-day turnaround. I’m sure he will back up.”
Wayne Bennett (left) is glad to welcome Latrell Mitchell back from injury. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
The Friday night clash at Suncorp Stadium will feature one of Bennett’s former pupils in Bostock, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2024 while coach of the Redcliffe-based team.
Bostock has moved from wing to right centre with style, and Bennett is not surprised.
“Jack is a wonderful young man and I think the world of him,” Bennett said.
“Jack will hold his own and Latrell will enjoy the challenge of playing against him.”
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said Bostock would be up to the challenge.
Jack Bostock is enjoying his Dolphins switch to centre. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
“It is a big task for him. Latrell is an outstanding player and there is no doubt he has been one of the form centres of the competition,” Woolf said.
“I am really confident in Jack and what he brings to our footy team.
“It is not about him going out and trying to stop Latrell. He has got to play his own game and he has strengths of his own.
“Jack has a great confidence about him. He loves competing.”
The Dolphins will be without prop Frank Molo who has succumbed to an ankle complaint. Utility Kurt Donoghoe comes into the squad.
aap
