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Latrell's return helps Souths to Spoonbowl victory and snap nine-game losing streak
Sam Kosack • August 10th, 2025 6:05 pm
Latrell Mitchell’s return has inspired South Sydney to a narrow win over the Gold Coast Titans, breaking a nine-game losing streak and elevating them off the bottom of the ladder.
In the battle between 16th and 17th, the Rabbitohs took a huge leap toward avoiding the wooden spoon with a 20-18 win.
Playing at centre, Mitchell set up the first try to Alex Johnston before putting him over again in the 59th minute, bringing Johnston four tries away from breaking Ken Irvine’s all-time try scoring record with four rounds remaining.
If Johnston were to score a try a week for the remainder of the season, a feat not unexpected considering his incredible track record thus far, he would need to score the record-breaking try against arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters in what is already shaping as a loaded final round match.
But it was his desperate try-saver on Jayden Campbell that was ultimately the difference, sprinting 10 metres to knock the ball out of Campbell’s hands while the halfback was over the line.
Mitchell ran for 115 metres as well as a line break and a try assist in his return from injury, while Brandon Smith was also influential in his second game of the season and 150th match.
The Titans’ loss is another heartbreaker for the Gold Coast after their golden point loss to the Penrith Panthers last round.
Their last three losses have been by a combined margin of seven points as pressure continues to mount on coach Des Hasler.
The Titans lost Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Brian Kelly to injury, while the Rabbitohs were without Liam Le Blanc after he suffered a shoulder injury.
With a bye in hand, the Rabbitohs are positioned to avoid the spoon; conversely, the Titans are now poised to hand Des Hasler the dreaded award for the first time in his storied career.
