South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has downplayed the severity of his hamstring injury, declaring that he’s “not too sore” and holding out hope for a swift return to the field. Mitchell picked up the injury during the Rabbitohs’ gritty 30-14 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons last weekend. The fullback was forced to leave the field in the second half and underwent scans on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. According to Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou, the scans revealed a “minor” hamstring strain. Mitchell has since joined his teammates at training and is reportedly moving freely. “I’m not too sore,” Mitchell said. “It’s just a little bit tight, but I’m feeling good. I’m hoping to get back out there as soon as possible.” Demetriou is also optimistic about Mitchell’s chances of returning in the short term. “Latrell is a quick healer,” Demetriou said. “He’s already looking good in training and we’ll see how he progresses over the next couple of days. But I wouldn’t rule him out for this week.” If Mitchell is unable to play, Kodi Nikorima is likely to start at fullback for the Rabbitohs. Nikorima has filled in for Mitchell ably in the past and would be a more than capable replacement. However, the Rabbitohs would obviously prefer to have their star fullback on the field. Mitchell is one of the most dangerous players in the game and his presence would give the Rabbitohs a significant boost. South Sydney is scheduled to face the New Zealand Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday. The Warriors have been in good form of late and will pose a stern test for the Rabbitohs.South Sydney is preparing to face the Dolphins on Thursday without star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who will miss a month of play due to a foot injury. Despite Mitchell’s absence, interim coach Ben Hornby believes the team’s game plan will not need significant adjustments.South Sydney is preparing to face the Dolphins on Thursday without star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who will miss a month of play due to a foot injury. Despite Mitchell’s absence, interim coach Ben Hornby believes the team’s game plan will not need significant adjustments. Hornby highlighted that Mitchell’s potential return would hinge on the Rabbitohs’ performance in their remaining games, as they aim to secure a spot in the finals. However, the team’s recent form, with five consecutive wins, suggests a positive outlook for their playoff chances. Jye Gray, who has gained experience playing at fullback, will step into Mitchell’s role. While Gray brings a different physicality to the position, Hornby expects the team’s overall approach to remain consistent, with Jack Wighton and Cody Walker continuing to handle the majority of the ball-playing responsibilities. Despite the need to adjust to Mitchell’s absence, Hornby emphasized that the focus remains on the well-being of other injured players. Campbell Graham, Lachlan Ilias, and Isaiah Tass are ruled out for the season, while Jai Arrow will undergo scheduled shoulder surgery on Friday. Hornby acknowledged the temptation to postpone Arrow’s surgery until the team’s season officially ends, but the decision was made to prioritize his long-term health. Arrow has been playing through the injury since round one, and the surgery is deemed necessary for his recovery.Despite sustaining a syndesmosis injury in the Rabbitohs’ 24-12 loss to the Eels in Round 20, Latrell Mitchell remains optimistic about his chances of returning to the field soon. “I’m not too sore,” Mitchell told reporters after the match. “I’ll just get a scan and see how we go.” South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou said the club was hopeful Mitchell would be available for selection for their upcoming match against the Panthers. “He’s a tough kid, Latrell,” Demetriou said. “He’s done a great job to get back on the field this year after his hamstring injury. We’ll just have to wait and see how he pulls up.” Mitchell has been a key player for the Rabbitohs this season, scoring eight tries in 14 appearances. His return would be a major boost for the team as they look to secure a top-four finish.