After a false start last week, superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell returns for the Rabbitohs in Friday night’s clash with the Wests Tigers at Scully Park, Tamworth.
Mitchell has missed seven games with the calf injury that also ruled him out of this year’s State of Origin series.
His return pushes Blake Taaffe, who did an admirable job filling in at fullback, back to the reserves.
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In another change, Jai Arrow shifts from an edge to prop with Jacob Host joining the starting side in the second row and Jed Cartwright replaces Tallis Duncan on the bench after a couple of huge performances in New South Wales Cup.
With the Rabbitohs sitting ninth after losing three of their last four games, Mitchell’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are sitting last four points behind the 16th-placed Bulldogs after losing seven straight games.
But they receive a handy boost in experienced playmaker Luke Brooks returning from a hamstring injury at halfback.
Charlie Staines also returns from a serious stomach injury on the wing, forcing a backline reshuffle. Junior Tupou shifts to the centres and Tommy Talau drops out of the 17.
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