Footy star Latrell Mitchell investigated over 'white substance' photo (2024)

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South Sydney NRL star Latrell Mitchell is being investigated by the NRL's Integrity Unit over a photo that appears to show him bending over a table with an unknown white substance on it, according to a report.

The leaked photograph seems to depict the injured Rabbitohs fullback leaning over the table with his right hand near the substance and his left hand up to his face.

An unidentified blonde woman also appears in the image.

It is not known when or where the photo was taken.

The image first came to the attention of Souths and the NRL when a reporter arrived at Bunnies training on Monday and began asking questions, according to News Corp.

In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia, South Sydney said: 'The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been made aware of a photograph circulating through social media of Latrell Mitchell following a personal appearance in Dubbo on the weekend.

'The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the photograph.

'The Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage.'

The NRL confirmed it is aware of the circulation of the image.

Mitchell has spent the last few weeks sidelined with a foot injury he suffered against Parramatta on July 4.

He was in the stands but did not play in the Bunnies' 28-16 loss to the Storm in Homebush last Thursday night.

The club remains unsure of whether he will be able to return to the field this year despite doctors deciding he didn't require season-ending surgery for the injury to his left foot.

It's been a troubled season for Mitchell and Souths as the club has struggled badly and he has battled injury and poor form.

In June he opened up about how close he came to retiring as he revealed the toll constant criticism of his play on the field and life off it has taken on him.

'I just feel like a lot of people hate me and they don't know me,' he said.

'A lot of people hate me to make me the villain all the time so I tend to shut the doors on who I am as a person.

'That's how I am at the moment because that's how I've been s*** on. In my past times, but I've learnt a lot from those situations being young. And being taken advantage of.

'The way I act on the field is a bit of frustration from off the field. Acting out, it's not the way to play footy. It's not the game I love.

'These short bursts of anger. That's not me. That's what just builds up over time or over the week or a month or a year of people just constantly at me.'

Addressing criticism from pundits in the media, Mitchell issued a six-word message.

'If media just shut up and let me play,' he said. 'Honestly, if you shut up and let me play there'd be nothing controversial.'

Mitchell confirmed reports he was considering a shock early retirement, admitting he was tempted to return home to Taree.

'I didn't want to go through another year of, you know, of heartache,' he said.

'But you cut back the layers and you can see the people who have made sacrifices for you and you want to make them proud.

'All I've ever done was stuck up for my people. Stuck up for my culture and stuck up for my family,' he said.

'I honestly think back if I'd have just shut my mouth and get on with my job like everyone says I have to do now, I'd be the best player in the world.'

Mitchell was suspended for a nasty shot on Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson as the side endured a horror start to the season that saw coach Jason Demetriou get sacked.

He missed the first State of Origin match but made headlines when he returned to the Blues for the match at the MCG and played a starring role in a huge win over Queensland.

The 27-year-old's injury ruled him out of playing in the decider.

NRLSouth Sydney Rabbitohs