South Sydney have revealed when they intend to begin contract talks with Latrell Mitchell, with the Rabbitohs holding firm on their position despite the star centre being able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
Mitchell is currently contracted to the Rabbitohs until the end of the 2027 season, meaning he will be free to discuss a deal with rival clubs from November 1 this year if he is not extended by South Sydney beforehand.
However, the Rabbitohs are not planning to rush into a decision on the 29-year-old, with the Sydney Morning Herald revealing the club intends to wait until March next year to negotiate his future.
The stance comes after Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly confirmed the club's position following discussions with Mitchell and his management.
“We've met with Latrell and his management and confirmed our position,” Solly told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Hopefully Latrell gets picked for the Kangaroos and continues his return from the back injury in the World Cup.
“Once his rep duties are complete, and he finishes the pre-season, we'll sit down again and discuss his future.
“For now, we are happy to allow Latrell the opportunity to play at the World Cup and have a great pre-season before we talk again about 2028 and beyond.”
The timeline indicates Mitchell's fitness and ability to complete both the World Cup and a full pre-season will be important factors in determining what South Sydney are prepared to offer beyond his current contract.
The NSW and Australian representative has been plagued by injuries across recent seasons, making just 12 appearances this year and averaging 14 games per season since joining South Sydney in 2020.
Mitchell is understood to be earning around $1.1 million next season, although his worth for 2028 and beyond is being heavily debated given his injury history and the changing salary cap landscape.
Perth Bears have already been tossed around as a potential landing spot for Mitchell, given the new franchise's lack of marquee talent and the Rabbitohs star's relationship with Mal Meninga at a representative level.
While the Rabbitohs have opted against rushing into a decision on Mitchell, they have made the retention of Tallis Duncan a priority.
Duncan enjoyed a breakout season, and South Sydney are understood to be keen to secure his future before he becomes available to negotiate with rival clubs on November 1.
Mitchell isn't the only Rabbitohs player facing an uncertain future, with Cody Walker off contract at the end of this year.
It is understood that Walker has been offered a one-year extension, with the figure ranging between $300,000 and $450,000, along with a coaching role in 2028.
Rabbitohs stars, including Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, David Fifita and Brandon Smith, are also able to hit the open market if they are not extended before November 1.
