Latrell Mitchell’s season may have come to an abrupt end after the South Sydney Rabbitohs star suffered a thigh injury during training. With only two months remaining in the regular NRL season, Rabbitohs officials fear Mitchell might require extensive rehabilitation. If scans confirm a significant tear in his quadriceps, Mitchell could be sidelined for the remainder of 2025, as reported by NewsCorp.
In a season plagued by injuries, the Rabbitohs received a glimmer of hope with mid-season recruit Brandon Smith expected to return in two to three weeks, following concerns over a potentially long-term knee issue. Meanwhile, veteran playmaker Cody Walker is still four to six weeks away from returning after a calf muscle tear during his rehab for a hamstring injury.
Bulldogs’ Strategic Selection and Injury Concerns
The Canterbury Bulldogs have made a bold selection decision by naming Lachie Galvin as the starting halfback for their upcoming clash against the Dragons. This comes after Galvin was dropped from the team following a loss to the Broncos. He will partner with Matt Burton for the first time, while coach Cameron Ciraldo anticipates Sitili Tupouniua’s return from a hamstring injury.
Elsewhere, Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen will miss the clash against Manly due to a persistent calf strain. Despite this setback, Cameron Munster has been named at five-eighth, following his absence due to personal reasons.
Panthers Rest Stars, Roosters Recall Veteran
The Penrith Panthers have opted to rest Origin stars Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo for their game against the Rabbitohs. Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o will make their return to the side. However, Izack Tago will serve a one-game suspension for a hip-drop tackle, while Liam Martin remains out with a wrist injury.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters have recalled veteran Chad Townsend to replace the injured Hugo Savala. Sam Walker, who avoided suspension for a controversial tackle, will partner Townsend in the halves as the Roosters face Cronulla.
Injury Updates and Team Line-Ups
The Newcastle Knights are grappling with a growing injury list, as forward Dylan Lucas is out for the season with a Lisfranc injury. This adds to the Knights’ woes, with key players like Kalyn Ponga already sidelined.
In the upcoming matches, the Raiders will see Hudson Young return despite a groin injury, while the Eels have made a significant change by dropping Dylan Brown to 18th man, signaling a new era for their halves combination.
As the Bulldogs prepare to face the Dragons, they welcome back Jaeman Salmon and Origin stars Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann, while the Dragons could see the return of Mat Feagai from injury.
Implications and Season Outlook
With key players sidelined, teams are forced to make strategic decisions that could impact their finals aspirations. The Rabbitohs, in particular, face an uphill battle without Mitchell, while the Bulldogs’ bold selection could either stabilize or further unsettle their lineup as they chase a finals berth.
As the season progresses, the management of player injuries and strategic rest periods will be crucial for teams aiming to maintain momentum and secure a spot in the finals. The decisions made in Round 20 could have lasting implications, shaping the trajectory of the season for several clubs.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and whether teams can adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and strategic shifts.
