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South Sydney’s decision to keep Latrell Mitchell at centre and elevate Matt Dufty to fullback has sparked sharp debate over form, fitness and team balance.
Debate has intensified over South Sydney's decision to keep Latrell Mitchell at centre, with coach Wayne Bennett instead turning to Matt Dufty at fullback following Jye Gray's injury.
Gray is expected to miss several weeks with an AC joint issue, forcing a reshuffle in the Rabbitohs' spine. Rather than shifting Mitchell back to fullback, where he has played most of his 187-game NRL career, Bennett opted to promote Dufty from NSW Cup.
The move required special approval, as Dufty is not part of South Sydney's top-30 roster. Under standard rules he would not be eligible until Round 11, but the club successfully applied for an exemption due to its injury toll.
Bennett said repositioning Mitchell would have triggered broader disruption across the side. Alternatives included moving him to fullback and reshuffling Moala Graham-Taufa or Edward Kosi into the backline, but the coach judged that approach more damaging overall.
Mitchell's recent form at left centre has also influenced the call. Across the opening six rounds, he has been widely regarded as one of the competition's standout players in the position, alongside Casey McLean and Simi Sasagi.
However, the decision has drawn criticism. Veteran journalist Paul Kent described it as disturbing if Bennett did not view Mitchell as fit enough for fullback, arguing it reflected unfulfilled potential in a player he believes could be among the game's elite in the role.
Paul Crawley also questioned the call, noting Dufty has not played NRL since 2021 after stints with the Dragons and Bulldogs, followed by four years in England. He suggested Mitchell's current game contains inconsistencies, particularly in yardage carries, despite moments of brilliance.
Others have pushed back strongly. Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh dismissed the criticism as misguided, while former Rabbitoh Taane Milne and fans pointed to Mitchell's strong form at centre and Dufty's performances in NSW Cup as justification for the selection.