Latrell Mitchell looks set to be handed the five-eighth role in the injury absence of Cody Walker, but Souths may have overlooked a Dally M Medal winning No.6 in the process.
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Cody Walker will miss two weeks with a hamstring injury, while halfback Jamie Humphreys is out for four weeks, which means Souths will field a brand new halves pairing against the Cowboys in Perth.
Mitchell threw the match winning pass from five-eighth against the Roosters, but it is fair to say he had a rocks and diamonds type night in the position, which included two 40/20 attempts that went out on the full.
Lewis Dodd was in contention with Jayden Sullivan for the halfback jersey, but a crusher tackle in NSW Cup has further delayed his NRL debut.
“It’s not official yet, but it probably will be tomorrow,” Brent Read said of Mitchell playing five-eighth on NRL 360.
“Latrell trained there today and Lewis Dodd’s unavailable. I don’t think Lewis Dodd would have been there anyway, but he’s unavailable. He got charged in NSW Cup with a crusher tackle, so I believe he’ll be unavailable.
“It looks like Latrell will play No.6 and I think it’s a great call.”
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Sullivan is set to switch from the bench to the No.7 jersey in place of Humphreys after filling in against the Roosters and he came up with the match turning play in the 20-14 win.
Braith Anasta is excited by a Mitchell and Sullivan combination, but warned it may leave Souths short in the game management and kicking department.
“Jayden Sullivan played very well last week,” Anasta said.
“Wayne gave him a wrap after the game. He was a bit slow to get into the game, but he came up with that crucial linebreak, pass back on the inside to Jye Gray, which changed the game.
“So Sullivan and Latrell, that’s a very talented No.7 and No.6 and when they’re on, they will be on, but I don’t think of game management and control.
“But you’ve got to play to what you’ve got in front of you, and they’re both dangerous players.”
The return of two star outside backs means Mitchell won’t be required in the centres, which is why he is being considered at No.6.
“Alex Johnston’s back and Euan Aitken’s back, so I think Aitken will play in the centres and Johnston will be on the wing,” Read said.
However, Dan Ginnane bealieves Souths may have overlooked the more seamless option of keeping Mitchell in the centres and playing Jack Wighton at five-eighth.
“Do you like Latrell at five-eighth?” Ginnane asked.
“You can play Latrell at No.3, you can play him at No.1 and you can play him at No.6.”
“I like him at five-eighth,” Anasta replied.
“Better than Jack Wighton?” Ginnane interjected.
‘They’ve just about got it right’ | 06:18
“Wighton doesn’t want to play there it seems because he actually did a very good job for them last year.”
“He did a great job last season for Souths and he’s done a great job in the past as a five-eighth for Canberra,” Anasta replied.
While the safer option would have been to play Wighton at No.6, Mitchell has been earmarked as a potential five-eighth for some time by both Wayne Bennett and Souths predecessor Jason Demetriou.
“I spoke to Jason Demetriou today and he obviously coached Latrell,” Read said.
“He’s always had a view that Latrell can be a world-class five-eighth.
‘Absolutely no doubt it was forward’ | 06:20
“Good kicking game. We saw his passing game before. Big body in defence. Reduces his workload as opposed to playing fullback. He’s always had a high opinion of Latrell as a No.6.”
Anasta believes Mitchell has the ability to play anywhere, but like the idea of getting his hands on the ball more at No.6, especially with so many Souths playmakers sidelined.
“Latrell is good anywhere if not great and I think he’ll do a really good job there,” Anasta said.
“I’m happy with him at five-eighth, I think it’s a good decision and we will see how Sullivan goes alongside of him.”
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