South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is "confident" Latrell Mitchell will remain at the Bunnies.
Mitchell is one of the many stars still off-contract after next season, meaning he is free to speak with rival clubs on November 1 this year.
Recent reports from News Corp revealed Mitchell is set to hit the free agency following November 1, sparking conjecture he may be ready for an exit from South Sydney.
Mitchell is one of the most damaging players in the competition, but a few injury-disrupted years has limited his time on the paddock for the Rabbitohs.
The superstar centre has only played 34 games in three NRL seasons, which may fall under grounds of a pay cut to remain at South Sydney in 2028.
Otherwise, there are plenty of clubs willing to take the gamble on Mitchell to have him at their club.
Despite this, Bennett thinks Mitchell will remain in the cardinal and myrtle despite his free agency window opening in only five weeks' time.
“I'm as confident as I am with anybody that Latrell will stay,” Bennett told News Corp.
“I don't know anything about Latrell doing that (going to free agency), it's news to me.
“I'm comfortable with where we stand with Latrell.
“At this point in time, we don't want to lose Latrell, but we'll wait and see.”
Mitchell was on fire in the left centre position before he was struck down with a nerve and bulging disc issue midway through the season.
He bagged 11 tries in 11 games, while recording 45 tackle breaks in the same time before he was struck down with the injury at Magic Round.
The 29-year-old missed the entire State of Origin series before returning in the closing rounds of the NRL season, but was unable to make a forceful impact on the Bunnies' premiership hunt.
He has played four games in sky blue since his incredible 2021 series, striking a formidable centre combination with Tom Trbojevic, which we have yet to see the duo share the Origin field since.
Bennett is a big fan of Mitchell's work despite the noise surrounding his limited time on the park.
“The talk around him is garbage,” he said.
“I can't understand the criticism around him.
“I don't care what people say about him, Latrell is a contracted player here and I know what he is capable of.”
The Super Coach also confirmed Cody Walker will be in South Sydney colours next season after being without a contract for 2027 during this season.
Cody will be here next year,” he said.
“He won't be retiring, not to my knowledge.
“He was magnificent for us this year.
“He played every game except that last one when he got injured, but I expect him to be here next year.”
