Mitchell suffers another injury setback, Bears name new football boss

Latrell Mitchell’s latest calf injury setback is jeopardizing his chances of a NSW State of Origin recall and affects South Sydney’s immediate NRL schedule. The 29-year-old centre is expected to miss Souths’ Thursday clash against Parramatta after withdrawing from today’s field session and then undergoing scans at Heffron Park following warm-ups. Mitchell had been “pushing” to return for round 17, but the back injury that sidelined him since round nine has now been compounded by the new issue. He had already ruled himself out of Origin Game I and was hoping for Game III in Brisbane on July 8. Newcastle’s Bradman Best and Canberra’s Stephen Crichton return options for selectors, while Kotoni Staggs and Tolu Koula paired in Game II despite a 44-24 loss.

North Sydney Bears also appointed Gareth Holmes as general manager of football, tasking him with building the club’s inaugural NRL roster ahead of its 2027 entry. Holmes takes over from David Sharpe, who exited the role in April. The article cites lingering internal tensions after Sharpe’s management style reportedly ruffled chief executive Anthony De Ceglie, though inaugural coach Mal Meninga dismissed infighting rumours. Perth’s expansion progress is described as ongoing, with the club still seeking a marquee player after a $40,000 fine imposed this month for NRL breaches.