Three simple words from South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett have confirmed what all NRL fans wanted to know with superstar centre Latrell Mitchell set to make his long-awaited return from injury in a pre-finals Bunnies boost.<\/p>\n
Mitchell hasn\u2019t played since the round 11 loss to the Dolphins on May 15, with the rep star battling a nerve problem in his back that led to an issue in his calf. <\/p>\n
The 29-year-old was in the form of his life with 11 tries in just nine appearances, including four in one freakish performance against the Dragons.<\/p>\n
The Rabbitohs have been up and down with him on the sidelines, but they loom as a genuine premiership threat with Mitchell, Cam Murray and Cody Walker all on the field. <\/p>\n
Mitchell missed the entire State of Origin campaign for the Blues and there were genuine fears that he would miss the rest of the season. <\/p>\n
But after he was a late scratching last week, Mitchell has been given the all clear to take on the Titans on Saturday afternoon where he\u2019ll come off the bench and will likely play left centre. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes he will,\u201d Bennett declared when asked if his strike weapon would play.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys have been great without him, so we just need to get him back playing now and not put him under any unnecessary pressure where he thinks that he\u2019s got to do something special for us because we can handle ourselves pretty well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great to have him back and get a bit of condition and contact behind him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bennett was asked if Mitchell\u2019s return was papering over the injury cracks and if he would need more medical attention at the end of the year.<\/p>\n
But his response suggested the powerhouse centre was fully fit. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s totally cleared to play,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are no needles involved, there are no painkillers involved, there\u2019s nothing. He\u2019s 100 per cent fit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mitchell\u2019s return is a timely boost for the Rabbitohs who will realistically seal a spot in the finals with a win this weekend given how strong their for and against is compared with the Bulldogs who are two points behind them with two rounds to go. <\/p>\n
Bennett has a plan for how he wants to use Mitchell who will most likely come on at left centre, shifting Tallis Duncan to the back row.<\/p>\n
His goalkicking will be integral for a team that has struggled from the tee in recent weeks, with teammates just happy to get their great mate back so close to the finals. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe brings himself, you know? His X-factor,\u201d Duncan said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s Latrell, so any time you can be on the same field as someone like that, you know he\u2019s a big moments player. When we need a moment, he\u2019ll come up with the footy.\u201d<\/p>\n