Latrell Mitchell could be set for a positional switch in 2026 after images at South Sydney Rabbitohs training showed him working outside new second-rower David Fifita. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett was always going to have a tough decision in 2026 over who would wear South Sydney’s No.1. jersey.
Bennett preferred Mitchell at the back for the majority of the season when he was injury free. However, there were arguments the Rabbitohs played better when fan-favourite Jye Gray was in the No.1 jersey and Mitchell was playing centre.
And the introduction of former Queensland Maroons forward Fifita added further intrigue on whether Mitchell could line-up outside the back-rower on the left edge. And images from Rabbitohs pre-season training have hinted at this move.
Mitchell was seen running outside the big forward, which could suggest Bennett could weaponise that left-edge in 2026. If both Mitchell and Fifita remain fit, few could argue the Rabbitohs’ edge attack would be one of the most feared in the competition. Fifita’s ability to break tackles and offload to Mitchell could open up defences with ease.
Although Cody Walker did try to play down the speculation having suggested they had not been training with the ball yet. “We haven’t spoken about that internally as yet,” Walker said. “The pre-season at the moment’s about getting ourselves fit, building those blocks and putting the work in.”
The other argument for Mitchell to play in the centres is to avoid the extra workload that fullback entails, which could prevent injury. Mitchell has struggled to remain on the park across the last two seasons, but thrived back at the Roosters when he played centre. He only played 11 games in 2025, and averages 14 per season in his time at the Rabbitohs.
But a switch to centre could see the NSW star form a lethal combination with Fifita. And five-eighth Walker was impressed with the Rabbitohs’ new Queensland signing.
“You can only go off what he’s producing out on the footy field, and he’s putting in the work,” Walker said of Fifita. “He’s quite loud around the group. The greatest indication of wanting to win is his desire, and the effort he’s putting in.”
Jye Gray tipped for permanent fullback move
Rabbitohs fans were thrilled last month when Gray signed a new three-year deal with the club in a move that hinted Mitchell could make the permanent switch to centre in 2026. Gray recommitted to the club until the end of 2029.
The 21-year-old was previously only under contract until the end of 2026, and had reportedly been offered a mega-money switch to R360. But the Rabbitohs and Gray confirmed that he’s staying put.
“I’m really grateful to Souths for giving me the opportunity to stay at this great club,” Gray said on Monday afternoon. “I’m determined to repay the faith they have shown in me by putting my best foot forward over the next few years to help us achieve our goals. I love playing for this club and its members, and I can’t wait to get back out onto the field in the red and green.”
