South Sydney Rabbitohs are expected to name their star Latrell Mitchell in their squad for the match against the Gold Coast Titans in a new role.
Mitchell has not played since Round 11 this season, as he has been battling a back injury and nerve-related problems that were expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Mitchell trained in a private session prior to the match against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.
The star centre ran without aggravating his back and nerve condition.
Latrell's road back has been a difficult one. His initial back complaint, a bulging disc issue, was expected to sideline him briefly.
Mitchell's injury was compared to the likes of Tom Flegler, who spent two seasons recovering with nerve issues in his shoulder.
The 29-year-old has gradually become unavailable for a large portion of the season since 2024, playing only 11 games in 2024 and 2025, and is up to 9 games this season.
In Round 9, Mitchell sustained a grade two calf strain which was connected to his back injury before re-aggravating two weeks later.
The Rabbitohs centre had continued to experience trouble with a calf injury he sustained during a training session in June.
With Mitchell's training on Saturday, Wayne Bennett will look to name his superstar in his 22-man squad.
South Sydney are still fighting for a spot in the top eight after losing 45-26 to the Warriors.
Bennett is not sure about Mitchell's game time, but he is expected to be used as a super-sub and play at least 20 minutes coming off the bench.
The neurologist Mitchell saw in recent weeks has given the green light to return after the club thought their star's 2026 campaign was over.
The final two weeks of the season can potentially define Latrell Mitchell's value on the market, as he is able to talk to rivals on November 1.
South Sydney put everyone's contract talks on pause except Tallis Duncan.
A victory over the Gold Coast Titans can secure their spot in the top eight and play finals for the first time since 2022.
Teammate Adam Elliott, with a groin injury, is set to miss the Titans match and return to play the Sydney Roosters in the final round of the season.
Team lists for the matches in Round 26 will be released at 4 PM AEST.
