South Sydney Superstar Latrell Mitchell Could Lose A Finger Due To Painful Tendon Injury
Latrell Mitchell, a superstar for South Sydney, is scheduled to see a surgeon in the next few days to find out if he needs a delicate procedure to amputate his finger.
If Latrell Mitchell doesn't get the agonizing tendon damage he's had for two months fixed, he could lose a finger.
In the following days, the South Sydney great will consult with a doctor to find out if he needs delicate surgery.
If Mitchell wants to avoid surgery, he will have to wear a splint 24 hours a day for up to eight weeks.
In 2017, Angus Crichton, a forward with both the former South Sydney and present Roosters, had his middle finger amputated due to persistent problems with a ruptured tendon.
To avoid such harsh measures, Rabbitohs fullback Mitchell is poised to withdraw from the Kangaroos team for the final two Pacific Championship Test matches of the season against New Zealand and Samoa, as disclosed on this masthead.
During the Rabbitohs' 32-18 victory against the Wests Tigers in Round 22, it is said that Mitchell began using a protective brace and strapping over the finger.
Bracing the finger, he played in Souths' final three games of the season.
Mitchell's severe injury made it difficult for him to maintain a firm hold on the football at times.
Mitchell, one of the most recognizable personalities in the National Rugby League, is working hard to recover from his injuries in time for South Sydney to resume preseason training in mid-November of 2024.
Mitchell is particularly disappointed by the setback because he has excelled under Test coach Mal Meninga.
Mitchell's central midfield play for Meninga in last year's World Cup victory was crucial.
Mitchell isn't the only potential starter for Australia that won't be able to play in the Pacific Championship Tests, so Meninga may have to search elsewhere for replacements.
Tom Trbojevic is making his way back from a pec injury, Jack Wighton has retired from playing for his country, and Valentine Holmes is being investigated by the NRL integrity unit.
Bradman Best, a center for Newcastle and NSW in State of Origin, and Kotoni Staggs, a center for the Broncos, are two names who might be on the shortlist.
South Sydney surgery shocks rock Kangaroos
Campbell Graham's operation has put him on the sidelines along with his South Sydney teammate Latrell Mitchell.
Despite being included in the train-on squad for the Tri-Nations at the end of the season, Graham is unable to participate because he needs shoulder surgery.
After having a rough finish to the season due to a lingering sternum ailment, Graham's return to action was met with low expectations. His first season with New South Wales was derailed by injuries.
He played in two games for Australia at last year's World Cup, scoring three goals in his first.
Power in Canterbury After suffering a knee injury in his final game for the Bulldogs, Jake Averillo was also ruled out of playing for the PM's XIII against PNG despite being named in the train-on squad.
The retirement of Jack Wighton from international duty and the injury to Mitchell have left Australia's head coach Mal Meninga scrambling to put together a new-look center duo.
Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, two Queenslanders, are contenders. Bradman Best is a potential selection due to his strong finish to the season, but other players like Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton have already declared their loyalty to Tonga or Samoa.
As Meninga weighs his options, Best's Newcastle Knights teammate Dane Gagai may be given a reprieve.
Zac Lomax, a center for St. George Illawarra, has been included in the train-on squad but has slim chances of making the final 20-man roster.
This week, Meninga will likely announce his Prime Minister's XIII team, which will consist of players from the teams who did not advance to the finals.