Latrell and Addo-Carr Await NRL Suspension Decision Amid All Stars Loophole

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The Indigenous All Stars are prepared to be without suspended superstars Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr for their annual clash against the Maori All Stars on February 15.

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Mitchell and Addo-Carr are hoping to have the game counted towards their suspensions, with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and the league’s integrity unit close to making a decision on whether it will.

Both Mitchell (one game) and Addo-Carr (four games) incurred bans for off-field incidents last year, with Addo-Carr also sacked by the Bulldogs for his indiscretion. He has since signed a multi-year deal with Parramatta.

Last month, the Rabbitohs and Eels both lodged formal requests for the suspensions to include the All Stars game.

Indigenous All Stars coach Ronnie Griffiths isn’t only expecting Mitchell and Addo-Carr to not be on the field at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium next month, he’s hoping as well.

“Souths and Parramatta employ these players at the end of the day, so I totally understand why they have asked for this game to be included, and I think they should have it included,” Griffiths told the SMH.

“We know how much this game means to them, and the chance to represent their people and culture, but we only have them for one day, the clubs have them the rest of the year. We respect that.

“There’s no greater feeling than coaching world-class players like those guys, and it’s certainly great exposure for what we do. We’d still love for them to be around the group.”

If the NRL decides to count the All Stars game towards the pair’s suspensions, Mitchell will be available for South Sydney’s Round 1 clash.

Addo-Carr meanwhile, will be available for selection in Round 3, given he served the first game of his ban late last season.