Latrell Mitchell’s Sneaky Try Sparks NRL Debate as Hindmarsh Issues Warning
South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has stirred up a storm among NRL fans with a crafty try that split opinions following his side’s dramatic win over the Brisbane Broncos.
Mitchell played a key role in the Rabbitohs’ thrilling comeback from a 14-0 deficit, sealing the match with a remarkable 49-metre field goal. However, it was an earlier moment in the match that grabbed just as many headlines.
With seconds left on the clock, Mitchell capitalised on a lapse in the Broncos’ defence near the try line. As Souths appeared to be running down the clock by surrendering in tackles, Mitchell stepped into dummy-half, kneeled to indicate surrender, and waited for defenders to touch him. When no contact came, he pounced, exploiting hesitation from the Broncos to cross over for a controversial try.
Brisbane stars Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo had already turned away, assuming the play was dead, while only Billy Walters remained alert—but he was left stranded. Mitchell noticed the opportunity and dashed across the line.
Reactions were mixed. While some praised Mitchell’s awareness and quick thinking, others called the play unsportsmanlike, arguing that surrendering in tackles is typically met with reduced physical contact, and exploiting that could create future issues.
NRL great and Eels icon Nathan Hindmarsh suggested Mitchell may have painted a target on his back, warning that opponents might not be so gentle next time he looks to surrender. Speaking on Triple M, Hindmarsh said the clever play may encourage defenders to hit harder in similar situations.
“It was smart, no doubt,” Hindmarsh said. “But players have long understood that when you surrender, it’s met with restraint. That may now change.”
Fox Sports commentator Dan Ginnane acknowledged it was within the rules, but said Mitchell had “rubbed it in,” while Roosters halfback Chad Townsend polled fans online, prompting a variety of takes ranging from admiration to criticism.
One fan tweeted, “Cheeky, but they didn’t play to the whistle, so…” while another wrote, “Pretty ordinary. The Broncos will ‘remind’ him next time. #lowact.”
Meanwhile, Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston criticised the Broncos’ effort, especially their body language and cohesion in the dying moments of the game. He argued that despite expectations under new coach Michael Maguire, the team’s second-half performances are still lacking bite.
“I looked at the Broncos and they were all over the place,” Thurston said on Channel 9. “They looked unsure and disconnected. If this is the hard edge Maguire was supposed to bring, I’m not seeing it.”
As the debate rages, one thing is clear—Mitchell’s game awareness has once again made headlines, and the Broncos may have some serious reflection to do.
