NRL 2026 Four Point Focus: Why Mitchell Is the #1 Option At Fullback

The Four Point Focus breaks down a try from every round of the 2025 NRL season, highlighting the context, shape, trigger and the lessons learned. It’s viewed with an eye on 2026 as we look for trends, breakout players and hints of what might be to come next season.

This is an off-season series for Premium subscribers who choose to support my work leading into Round 1.

Point 1 - The Context

We didn’t get to see Latrell Mitchell play nearly enough footy throughout the 2025 NRL season. Limited to only 11 games, he gave Jye Gray an opportunity to stake a claim on the #1 jersey.

With neither named on the team sheet for South Sydney’s first trial this week, we’re not any closer to knowing who will play fullback for Round 1. However, against the Melbourne Storm in Round 16 in 2025, Mitchell laid on four try assists to remind everybody of the best fullback at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Point 2 - The Shape

Mitchell is most well-known for his strength in contact and speed for his size. He’s a physical freak and create tries for himself out of nothing. However, his hands are what sets him apart and what puts him in the conversation as a premier fullback in the NRL when playing his best.

As a dangerous ball-carrier first, Mitchell puts a defence on their heels. He’s a nightmare for one-on-one defenders and takes the attention of the line whenever he digs in. With that danger comes opportunity for others.

Swinging it left here as the Rabbitohs so often do, Mitchell makes a relatively difficult pass look so simple.

With the defender jamming in his face, Mitchell not only moves the ball quickly across his body, but makes the right pass under pressure. In one fluid motion, he puts his winger over in the corner.

He throws another try assist shortly after halftime, again down the left edge.

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