Latrell Mitchell’s Clever Try Sparks NRL Controversy as Hindmarsh Issues Warning
South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has ignited a fresh NRL debate after scoring a highly controversial try during his side’s dramatic comeback victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
Mitchell was instrumental in the Rabbitohs’ rally from 14-0 down, sealing the win with a stunning 49-metre field goal. But it was an earlier moment — a crafty piece of opportunism — that left fans and pundits arguing long after full-time.
Mitchell Exploits Defensive Hesitation
With seconds remaining in the first half, the Rabbitohs appeared to be running down the clock by surrendering in tackles. Mitchell stepped into dummy-half, dropped to one knee to indicate surrender, and waited for a Broncos defender to make contact.
But when no one touched him — with Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo already turning away and only Billy Walters paying attention — Mitchell seized the moment. Recognising the hesitation, he darted over for a shock try, catching Brisbane completely off guard.
The play was legal, but the optics fuelled heated discussion across the rugby league world.
Fans Split: Smart Footy or Unsporting?
Reaction was swift and divided.
Some praised Mitchell’s awareness and ability to play to the whistle, while others slammed the tactic as unsportsmanlike — claiming it could encourage defenders to be more forceful in future surrender situations.
One fan wrote:
“Cheeky, but they didn’t play to the whistle — that’s on them.”
Another was far less forgiving:
“Pretty ordinary. The Broncos will ‘remind’ him next time. #lowact”
Hindmarsh: Mitchell May Have Painted a Target on His Back
NRL great Nathan Hindmarsh warned the incident could have consequences. Speaking on Triple M, he suggested defenders may no longer hold back when Mitchell signals surrender.
“It was smart, no doubt,” Hindmarsh said. “But players have long understood that surrendering is met with restraint. That may now change.”
Fox Sports commentator Dan Ginnane added that while Mitchell’s actions were clearly within the rules, he “rubbed it in,” adding fuel to the backlash.
Thurston Questions Broncos’ Composure
Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston focused his criticism not on Mitchell, but on Brisbane.
He highlighted worrying body language and a lack of cohesion in the dying moments, questioning whether the side has yet absorbed the harder edge expected under coach Michael Maguire.
“They looked unsure and disconnected,” Thurston said on Channel 9. “If this is the toughness Maguire was supposed to bring, I’m not seeing it.”
Debate Highlights Ongoing Tension in NRL Rules
Mitchell’s controversial try has reignited the discussion around surrender tackles — a long-standing grey area where mutual understanding often overrides strict rule enforcement.
Whether fans view the moment as brilliant or borderline, it once again underscores Mitchell’s game-breaking instincts — and leaves the Broncos with plenty to reflect on after another second-half fadeout.
