The footy over this last weekend has been nothing short of sensational.
As the old NPL joke goes: Most people like or support their own team, plus whoever is playing Manly. But Manly’s performance against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday was superb. Even those who despise the Sea Eagles would have to agree, their performance was one of the season’s best games so far.
And what a way it was for Daley Cherry-Evans to rack up 210 games for the Manly club. The Queensland Maestro truly seems to be getting better with age which is a great sign for Queensland leading into the 2024 State Of Origin series.
The stand-out concern for me from this last round were the ridiculous moments that Latrell Mitchell came up with against the Warriors. For whatever reason it seems there is a bullying bent that has crept into his game. His lack of discipline is severely impacting his team at a time when the Rabbitohs desperately need all their star players to step up.
Souths have slumped to dead last on the ladder and now face three weeks without Mitchell after he accepted a three-match ban for his antics on the weekend. It’s a tough road ahead for Souths who face the Sharks, Storm and Panthers in the next three weeks.
Reports out of Sydney are that his teammates are said to be frustrated with Latrell’s attitude and performances this season. I can see why after watching last Saturday’s match.
And I’m sure no one is more frustrated than Souths coach, Andrew Demetriou, whose job is surely on the line if the Rabbitohs can’t turn their season around – and quickly.
Latrell is one of the best players in the NRL. On his day he is nothing short of brilliant. Hopefully, the club can rally around and convince him his team cannot afford the penalties he is currently giving away. An “on song” Latrell Mitchell is just the tonic Souths need to pick themselves up and get off the bottom of the ladder.
