Shaquai Mitchell has signed a one-year contract extension so will be at South Sydney as brother Latrell looks to bounce back from a turbulent 2024 season.
The older Mitchell brother had been hopeful of securing a new deal when quizzed earlier in the season and the club made the news official on Monday morning.
Injuries restricted Mitchell to only six first-grade appearances as Souths sputtered to a 16th-placed finish this year but the club has identified the prop as part of its long-term plans to recover.
“He continues to show the work ethic required to play at the NRL level and he has progressed to representing his people in the annual All Stars game on a regular basis as well," said Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison.
"He is very skilful for a big man and he will play an important role in our team over the coming seasons."
Mitchell's contract extension comes as his younger brother, star fullback Latrell targets a bounce back season under returning coach Wayne Bennett.
A foot injury prevented Latrell Mitchell from playing beyond round 18, and during his lay-off, he became embroiled in a white-powder scandal that led to a one-game ban from the NRL and $40,000 in fines.
Souths pushed for Mitchell to serve his ban during the last round of the regular season, only to have that request denied following a protracted back-and-forth with the NRL.
Shaq Mitchell has played 20 games since making his NRL debut in 2022 on the back of a long journey to drop weight and return to peak fitness.
The three-time Indigenous All Stars representative is expected to feature more prominently in 2025 as the Souths middle forward rotation covers for the loss of elder statesman Tom Burgess.
The Rabbitohs have also re-signed back-up second-rower Ben Lovett to a one-year deal.
