Latrell Mitchell is facing a one-match suspension after being charged with grade two dangerous contact for a high tackle on Sua Fa’alogo during a recent NRL match. The incident occurred when Mitchell struck Fa’alogo in the head with his shoulder following a pass, causing Fa’alogo to fail his head injury assessment (HIA) and miss the upcoming match against Canberra. Opinions on the incident are divided; some believe Mitchell’s effort to lower his body mitigates his responsibility, while others argue that he struck Fa’alogo late and with excessive force, particularly given his previous disciplinary issues.
Johnathan Thurston had predicted the suspension, emphasizing the aggressive nature of Mitchell’s tackle. According to former players like Andrew Johns, Mitchell had a duty of care since Fa’alogo had already passed the ball, suggesting that Mitchell’s actions were reckless. Commentator Dan Ginnane pointed out Mitchell’s concerning judiciary history, which includes over a dozen guilty findings and a prior three-game ban for dangerous contact.
Conversely, some have suggested mitigating factors; Greg Alexander noted that Fa’alogo was off the ground at the moment of impact, which might have influenced the collision dynamics. Additionally, Melbourne Storm’s coach Craig Bellamy defended Mitchell, arguing that player slips and wet conditions complicate tackle assessments. With South Sydney already managing player absences, including Cody Walker and Cameron Murray, they face challenges if Mitchell’s suspension is upheld. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s victory solidified their position in the NRL standings, while the Rabbitohs dropped out of the top-eight.
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