Respected rugby league figure Phil Gould is tipping a positional switch for Latrell Mitchell this year as South Sydney struggle to cope with the loss of their champion halfback Adam Reynolds.
Lachlan Ilias, 21, is being jettisoned into the No.7 jumper to fill the boots of 2014 grand final winner Reynolds, who left his beloved club after being offered only a one-year contract last year.
But Gould believes the fatigue of playing NRL football will catch up to the young playmaker at some stage throughout the season.
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“I will say this – they won’t have their same halfback for every game this year,” Gould told Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
“They’ll change their halfback at different stages, they’re going to have to.”
That’s where Mitchell comes into the mix.
While he’s owned the fullback spot since arriving at Redfern two years ago, Mitchell has won NRL premierships at centre, and also dabbled in the halves during his career.
Gould suggests Mitchell could take the No.6 jumper for the Rabbitohs, pushing Cody Walker to halfback to allow young Ilias a rest during the season.
Blake Taaffe is Mitchell’s likely replacement at fullback.
Six Tackles with Gus kicks off 2022 with a two-part season preview. Click on this link to listen to Part 1 and return on Wednesday March 2 for Part 2!
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“There may even be a temptation at some stage during the year to play Walker at half and Latrell at five-eighth,” Gould said.
“I bet it becomes a temptation at some stage. I’m not saying that’s what they should do, but it will become a temptation.
“I think at some stage there will be pressure to play Latrell Mitchell at six and Cody Walker at seven. I may be wrong, but it’s very hard to come off the highs of what they’ve been doing the last couple of years, without their halfback and goal kicker (Reynolds).
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“I think Reynolds is going to be a big loss for them. It’s a big gain for the Broncos, but it’s a massive loss for South Sydney.”
The Rabbitohs made last year’s grand final, ultimately falling to Penrith at the final hurdle.
They’ve lost Reynolds from that team, among other quality players, while supercoach Wayne Bennett has also moved on and been replaced by Jason Demetriou.
Gould is tipping the Bunnies to slide down the NRL ladder in 2022.
“There’s been a fair drain on talent here, not just the halfback but other players who have been mainstays of that team for years,” he said.
“I wasn’t really impressed with their trial form, and I think Reynolds is going to be a loss. That puts way too much pressure on Cody Walker and some of the young players who are going to take their place.
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“I don’t feel they’re a premiership chance this year.
“South Sydney will always be thereabouts. They’ve got some talented players.
“Latrell Mitchell will be under pressure to stay on the field and stay in his best form to help Cody Walker with this team. At this stage I don’t see them as a premiership hope.”
The Rabbitohs kick off their season against the Broncos on March 11.
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