Latrell apologises as Wighton rallies struggling Souths

Jack Wighton insists Latrell Mitchell still has a desire to play in the NRL as under-fire South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou rolls the dice on debutant Jye Gray with his job under increasing scrutiny.

Wighton was reluctant to discuss Mitchell, who has been suspended for three weeks to leave Demetriou short of star power heading into a run of games against Cronulla, Melbourne and Penrith.

Rabbitohs utility forward Siliva Havili revealed on Tuesday that the fullback had apologised for his latest brain snap, after using an elbow in a tackle with Shaun Johnson in Souths’ rudderless 34-4 loss to the Warriors on Saturday.

News of Mitchell’s apology came less than 24 hours after Phil Gould had questioned whether the suspended fullback retained the thirst to play in the NRL.

Wighton played down those concerns before refusing to answer questions about Mitchell, who ran with the reserves as Gray took over fullback duties ahead of Saturday's clash with the Sharks.

"Of course he wants to play the game, but I’m not here to talk about Latrell," Wighton said.

"If you want to ask Latrell questions, you talk to 'Trell', sorry.

"It’s not my place … I’m here to talk about me and what I can do for the team.

"I am a mate, and a mate protects a mate by not talking about him."

Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell.
Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell savour the victory over Canterbury in round four.

Veteran Damien Cook has lost his starting hooker spot as Souths bid to arrest their 1-4 start when they take on Cronulla. 

Cook has been ousted by Peter Mamouzelos, while Tyrone Munro returns to the wing from a shoulder injury.

Mamouzelos has played only eight first-grade games but has long been viewed as the club's long-term rake.

Gray will make his debut in Mitchell’s No.1 jersey after the latter expressed his frustration at letting his teammates down once again.

"Latrell has addressed that," Havili said.

"He’s owned his actions ... he was definitely apologetic for what’s happened.

"There are a lot of things that go on around Latrell. He’s a big name in our game and one of the best in our game, so anything he says, we listen to."

Jye Gray.
Jye Gray looks for a gap during the Rabbitohs' Charity Shield win against the Dragons.

Gray will be handed a baptism of fire at the hands of Cronulla, who come into Saturday’s meeting fresh off a bye.

The cards could not have fallen any worse for Demetriou as he battles for his job.

But Wighton insisted the Bunnies had not given up on their coach as they bid to drag themselves out of the mire.

"We’ve all got his back," Wighton said.

"No one likes losing. We’re just in one of those patches, but we’re looking forward.

"We’ve got his back, and everyone in that building has each other’s backs."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store