The NRL has put a line through suspended superstar Latrell Mitchell featuring in next month’s All Stars showcase.
The champion utility back was whacked with a six-game ban for an ugly high shot on former teammate Joey Manu in Round 24 last season, which left the latter with a broken cheekbone.
Mitchell has two games remaining on the suspension, making him available to return in Round 3 of the looming season.
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But he’s also been barred from lining up for the Indigenous All Stars.
He is, however, allowed to play in South Sydney’s Charity Shield game against St George Illawarra, which is an official pre-season trial. Trial games don’t normally count towards NRL suspensions.
The 24-year-old’s absence from the All Stars fixture is significant. He has led the indigenous representative side’s pre-game war dance for a number of years, and is one of rugby league’s leading Aboriginal advocates.
“It certainly would have been special to have Latrell as a part of it and I know he would have wanted to be part of this game but unfortunately he won’t be there,” Indigenous All Stars coach Laurie Daley said on radio this morning.
“But I’m sure he’ll be doing something with the team throughout the week.”
The All Stars event will be held at Sydney’s Commbank Stadium on February 12.
And Mitchell won’t be the only big name missing from the pre-season fixture.
Fox Sports reports Maori All Stars players Kalyn Ponga, Jarome Luai, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and Corey Harawira-Naera will all miss the game, as well as Indigenous playmakers Cody Walker and Jack Wighton.
Walker has previously captained the Indigenous All Stars.
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