Why Latrell Mitchell will be allowed to compete in the first round of the 2025 NRL season despite his suspension

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

This depends on whether Mitchell chooses to serve his one-match ban during the NRL All Stars match, which is expected to remain in place in February 2025.

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

He has yet to serve that suspension after sitting out the final two months of the season due to an injury.

South Sydney’s attempts to have him serve the ban through the 2024 season were rejected 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.

Reports indicate the NRL is likely to hold the competition 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 due to better preparation and player readiness.

If the match 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 remain in the pre-season slot.

Mitchell has resumed training with South Sydney and has reportedly lost 5kg in the off-season as he prepares for the new season.

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

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

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

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 over three consecutive weekends.

This proposal was intended to transition to the international calendar with potential matches featuring indigenous teams against second-tier countries.

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