Tigers fuming about two-game ban handed to Mitchell for high hit – Sydney Morning Herald

The Sun-Herald can reveal the key difference is the NRL’s match review committee felt Mitchell was reacting to a teammate being kicked in the head and, therefore, there was provocation. In Leilua’s case, the MRC felt there was no extenuating circumstances for the hit on Edwards, although Leilua was angry about an earlier hit on his brother, Luciano.
Mitchell was also placed on report later in the game on Friday night after collecting Luke Garner high, but will escape a further ban for that incident after being fined $550.
If Mitchell and Reynolds plead guilty, as expected, they will be huge losses for their respective clubs.
Their absence will also pave the way for Benji Marshall to return to the halves for the Tigers and off-contract Alex Johnston to wear South Sydney’s No.1 jersey. Luke Brooks is on shaky ground at the Tigers and things could have been interesting had Reynolds, Marshall and Brooks all been available.
Graham was already nursing a head cut from a clash with Canterbury’s Christian Crichton just five days earlier when he copped Reynolds’ boot.
“I might have to get myself back on the wing otherwise all my looks will go,” Graham said. “He got me a beauty. He’s a competitor. He was going for the ball and there are no hard feelings there.
“It was an unfortunate thing where we were both competing and those things can happen in footy.
“He apologised to me a couple of times and had no intentions of kicking me in the face.”
Graham loved the fact Mitchell had his back, even if the defence of his teammate will see him miss two matches.
“Trell is a fierce competitor every week at training and on the field and lets everyone know he’s got our backs and we really appreciate it,” Graham said. “It shows the care he has for this group and likewise we have that same care for him.”
Latrell Mitchell and Josh Reynolds.Credit:Getty
Halfback Adam Reynolds watched Josh Reynolds and Mitchell share a hug at full-time and told The Sun-Herald: “It was just boys being boys out there. They were sticking up for their teammates.
“We will lose a lot with Trell, just with his kick returns, the X-factor and his presence on the field and direction. He’s growing in confidence each week.”
Tigers veteran Marshall was injected into the Souths clash with 20 minutes remaining and the joint venture’s attack burst to life. It was his first game in a month.
Marshall referred to himself as “Benchy Marshall”, but will relish wearing his old No.6 jersey at Leichhardt on Friday night against one of his former clubs, Brisbane.
Marshall reiterated he had made no decision about 2021 and if he played on it would only be with the Tigers.
“Cameron Smith is older than me, keep asking him

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