South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell has earned a reprieve from the NRL and had his current suspension effectively slashed.
Mitchell was banned for six games late last season for a shocking hit on Roosters centre Joey Manu, which left the latter with a shattered cheek and eye socket.
The Rabbitohs fullback was set to return in Round 3 of the looming season, ironically against the Roosters – his former club.
READ MORE: Michael Masi axing ‘harsh’ says Red Bull F1 boss
READ MORE: Golf turns on ‘egotistical’, ‘greedy’ legend Phil Mickelson
READ MORE: Kyrgios a ‘clown’, ‘idiot’, says Australian Open doubles rival
But the NRL had also ordered him to miss the All Stars game, at which he would have represented the Indigenous team last week.
Now, the NRL has surrendered to a Bunnies request to have the All Stars count towards Mitchell’s ban.
It means Mitchell will be available for the Round 2 game against Melbourne.
“It’s good news for Latrell and for the club,” Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou told 2GB Wide World of Sports radio.
He is also missing this week’s Charity Shield pre-season trial against the Dragons.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!