 "What is it? How does it work? – Firstpost")
- The South Sydney Rabbitohs are back in pre-season training
- The side are looking to get off to a fast start after a poor 2024
- Latrell Mitchell was one star who was seen back in training
Latrell Mitchell showed off an impressive off-field transformation as he returned to pre-season training with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Wednesday.
The fullback appears to have been working hard on his fitness in recent months following a white powder scandal that saw the NRL hand the 27-year-old receive a one-match ban and a $20,000 fine.
He will serve out that suspension at the beginning of next season, with the footy star having not played since the Rabbitohs’ 32-16 defeat by the Eels on July 4, with a foot injury.
While sidelined, Mitchell appears to have been taking every step to get back to peak fitness.
Reports recently stated that he has shed at least 5kg in the off-season in his bid to prove to coach Wayne Bennett that he means business.
Latrell Mitchell has shown off an impressive transformation as he was pictured back in pre-season training on Wednesday
Mitchell made 11 appearances for the Rabbitohs last season but had been ruled out from July 4 with a foot injury
Mitchell recently revealed that he has been making several changes to his lifestyle to get fitter and healthier, notably demolishing a bar in his house and replacing it with a gym
He has also turned his home into a training base, according to News Corp, with the 27-year-old, who has stopped drinking alcohol, having demolished a bar in his house and has instead turned it into a gym.
It is understood he has kitted his new home gym out with weights, yoga mats and a sauna.
Following the conclusion of the Souths’ 2024 season, Bennett had torn into the Rabbitohs over their recent run of form, blasting them for their work ethic, devotion and fitness, according to The Daily Telegraph.
‘Wayne didn’t f*** around,’ one source close to the outlet said.
Bennett had signed a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs earlier this year, after parting company with the Dolphins.
And it seems the new coach has been driving his players hard in their pre-season training camp, with several stars, including Jack Wighton, Cody Walker and Campbell Graham being put through their paces during the session.
Mitchell cut a lean figure as he was pictured sprinting up and down the training pitch.
League great Corey Parker has hailed Mitchell for his recent transformation, after reacting to several pictures that the Souths star published on Instagram recently.
‘I saw a bunch of photos the other day…he looked extremely trim. He looked fit,’ Parker said on SEN Radio.
‘Hopefully, there are some really good things to come. Obviously, Wayne’s had a chat with him. But I don’t dislike the fact I haven’t heard Latrell come out and say things. Keep your nose down, Latrell.’
Bennett, meanwhile, said he has no concerns about Mitchell’s fitness.
‘Latrell’s fitness won’t be an issue for me,’ the coach said.
Mitchell received the ban after this image went viral, leading to a club and NRL investigation
Returning coach Wayne Bennett (right) says it’s great to hear the Bunnies star is in good shape
‘I haven’t spoken to Latrell lately but if he’s in shape, that’s great to hear.
‘I saw a bunch of photos the other day…he looked extremely trim. He looked fit,’ Parker said on SEN Radio.
The Rabbitohs will be hoping they can deliver their best this season after they slumped to finish second from bottom in the NRL ladder having lost 17 games last season.
It was a far cry from their endeavours in 2021 and 2022, where the Bunnies first reached the Grand Final before going on to be knocked out at the preliminary final the following year.
