Wayne Bennett is confident that superstar centre Latrell Mitchell will return in round 26 after a false start this week, with the Rabbitohs coach also revealing he’s open to coaching Queensland again while keeping his job at the Bunnies.
Mitchell was named in jersey No.22 on an extended bench and did some light training earlier in the week, but the call has been made to delay his return for the game against the Titans.
The powerhouse centre hasn’t played since the May 15 loss to the Dolphins due to a nerve issue that started after a back injury and then led to a calf issue.
Even if they have to wait another week, Mitchell’s return so close to the finals is huge for a Rabbitohs side that has all but wrapped up its spot in the top eight.
“There was a chance (for him to play on Saturday). He trained pretty well but just probably needs another week, so we took the cautious approach and gave him another week,” Bennett said.
“It’s his decision. He knows his body, so we’re not in it.
“There were questions about whether he might have played at all this year. To get him back in the run to the finals is pretty big.”
Winger Campbell Graham didn’t take part in Friday’s captain’s run but will be right to face the Warriors as he nurses a lingering calf complaint.
Meanwhile, Bennett hasn’t ruled out coaching the Maroons next year a week after Billy Slater decided to stand down from the role after five series in charge.
Bennett has had four stints with Queensland and famously led them to victory in 2020 with a team that was dubbed the worst of all time.
Cameron Smith, Kevin Walters and other logical candidates have ruled themselves out of contention, with Bennett dismissing concerns about having an NRL coach lead a rep side given he did it six years ago.
“Not really,” he replied when asked if he was interested.
“But if they need me, I’ll go.
“I think they can get some young guys there that can do the job, so I won’t let Queensland down. If we can’t get what they want, I’ll give it a fair bit of consideration. I’m not looking for the job.
“I don’t know what the rules are, but I was an NRL coach in 2020 when I coached them, so I don’t think Queensland play by the same rules as the NRL do in that regard.”
Bennett did endorse Darius Boyd for the role, with the former fullback showing off his coaching credentials with the Queensland under-19 side over the past two years.
Boyd and Bennett formed an unbreakable bond as player and coach, and the legendary figure thinks his former star can handle the step up.
“I have a lot of time for Darius. He’s done a great job at the Queensland under-19s. He won the last two series, so yeah, he’s a very capable person,” he said.
“You’re always asking yourself are you ready for something, but when are you really ready? Particularly with coaching, it’s a tough gig and when the opportunity comes, you’ve got to grab it. So if he gets the opportunity, I’m sure he’ll take it.”
Bennett was also asked whether he was interested in the Australia job after Kevin Walters confirmed he would leave the Kangaroos after the World Cup to lead Super League side St. Helens.
The master coach kept it brief with his response, saying his interest was “neutral”.
Originally published as ‘It’s his decision’: Latrell Mitchell set to finally return next week as Wayne Bennett responds to Qld coaching rumours