In a remarkable turn of events, Brandon Smith has put his past rivalry with Latrell Mitchell behind him, declaring that they have become good friends as they prepare to become teammates at South Sydney. This transformation comes after a memorable incident during a 2022 match between Smith's former team, Melbourne Storm, and Mitchell's South Sydney Rabbitohs, where Smith famously mocked Mitchell on the sidelines after a golden-point thriller.
The backdrop to their newfound friendship stems from a tense moment in that match at AAMI Park. Mitchell had just kicked a two-point field goal that sent the game into golden point, cupping his ear to the crowd in a show of bravado. However, it was Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen who ultimately sealed the victory with a winning drop-goal, leading to Smith mimicking Mitchell's celebration from the sidelines, much to the dismay of Souths officials.
Fast forward to May 2025, and Smith, who is set to join the Rabbitohs next week, spoke candidly about how their relationship has evolved. "I went through my dramas with Melbourne, and he was one of the guys that was the first to message me, one of the first to offer me a hand in any way," Smith recounted. "I didn’t have the highest opinion of him at the time. I just didn’t think that I meant anything to him at that point. And to be honest, there are probably people that didn’t message me that I thought would. So for him to do such a thing, from there on, we’ve kept in contact, and we get along really well."
Smith’s sentiments reflect a significant shift in perspective. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to play alongside Mitchell, stating, "It’s warming to be able to go to a club with that guy. I know someone in that club cares for me deeply, and Latrell’s one of them. That’s pretty cool to say. I think there’s a lot more to Latrell Mitchell than people think."
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett weighed in on the duo's dynamic, emphasizing that Smith's personality will fit right in with the Rabbitohs' roster. "We have a few big personalities here, so he won’t be out of place. I’m sure they’ll get along well. We’ll make that happen," Bennett said. He also expressed hope that Smith's transfer from the Roosters would be finalized soon, allowing him to join the team for the remainder of the season.
As for Mitchell, he is set to return to action against the Brisbane Broncos on May 9, 2025, after serving a one-match ban. With just two weeks left to prove his worth for a spot in the New South Wales Origin team, the pressure is on. The Origin opener is scheduled for May 28, 2025, and Mitchell is vying for one of two available positions alongside Canterbury’s Stephen Crichton, Manly’s Tom Trbojevic, and Newcastle’s Bradman Best.
Despite being a proud Queenslander, Bennett acknowledged the ongoing debate about Mitchell's place in the Origin conversation, remarking, "I can tell you that everyone in Queensland will be happy if he doesn’t play for NSW. They can make up their own minds. But if he was a Queenslander, he’d definitely be playing for Queensland."
Mitchell's ability to perform in high-pressure situations is well-known, and Bennett noted, "He’s pretty good at club level, too. He’s really good at club level. He brings something most players don’t have." This weekend's match against the Broncos is crucial for Mitchell, not only for his club but also for his aspirations to represent the Blues.
In addition to Mitchell's return, South Sydney will also welcome back halfback Jamie Humphreys, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Bennett is optimistic about the team's prospects as they look to snap a four-game losing streak. "Humphreys, Jayden Sullivan, and Mitchell’s booming left boot give us options in attack at Accor Stadium," he remarked.
Meanwhile, the future of Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds remains a topic of interest, especially as he contemplates his career beyond this season. Bennett has encouraged Reynolds to continue playing if he feels capable, stating, "You don’t want to have regrets in retirement. If he feels like he can play on, and he knows himself better than anyone, I’d encourage him to play."
As the Rabbitohs prepare for their clash against the Broncos, the focus will undoubtedly be on how well Mitchell can perform after his ban and how the integration of Smith into the squad will unfold. With the stakes high and the clock ticking down to the Origin selection, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these two stars navigate their past and future together.
