NRL fans all say the same about Latrell Mitchell as Craig Bellamy caught in wild act
NRL fans have been left in disbelief at the effort from Latrell Mitchell and an injury-hit Rabbitohs having pushed Melbourne Storm to golden point as Craig Bellamy was seen losing his temper in the coaching box. The Storm entered the clash against South Sydney Rabbitohs as heavy favourites with the likes of Harry Grant and Cameron Munster backing up from Queensland's State of Origin win.
And Grant ducked over the try line after only a few moments, before Jahrome Hughes scored to send shockwaves through the Rabbitohs team. The Storm looked like they could run up a cricket score against the Rabbitohs with Wayne Bennett's side missing a host of stars after a horror run of injuries for the club.
However, Mitchell showed why he is one of the most feared players in the game having put on a masterclass to drag the Rabbitohs from the brink and into the contest. Mitchell set up three tries for Alex Johnston with similar cutout passes as the Storm failed to contain the Rabbitohs fullback.
But it was the fourth try to Tyrone Munro that left fans in awe. The Storm had just taken the lead 24-20 after Tyran Wishart scored following a sensational solo run from Sua Fa'alago.
The Rabbitohs appeared to have run out of steam with the Storm holding them out with a few minutes left. But the Rabbitohs managed to get the ball back after a Storm mistake with five minutes to go.
Charging down the field, Latrell got the ball 40 metres out from the Storm try line and noticed Ryan Papenhuyzen was out of position. The fullback put in a long grubber behind the defensive line and it bounced up nicely for Munro.
The play levelled the score at 24-all, but Mitchell wasn't able to slot the conversion from the sideline. Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, Papenhuyzen slotted home the winning drop goal during golden point to end a valiant effort from a battered and bruised South Sydney side.
Rabbitohs centre Jack Wighton was full of praise for his side after the game. "We fought right to the end there but fell short," Wighton said. While they lost the game, the praise belonged to Johnston and Mitchell. Fans were in awe of Mitchell's ability to stand up when his team needs him the most with the NSW Blues star backing up after a tough Origin appearance. Mitchell is also going a long way to shut down his critics that doubted he was the best option for fullback at the Rabbitohs.
Latrell Mitchell really is a 1 of 1.
— The SuperCoach Whisperer (@SCWhisperer) June 21, 2025
Latrell Mitchell just doing Latrell Mitchell things. #NRLSouthsStorm
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) June 21, 2025
Latrell Mitchell is the best rugby league player in the world. All other opinions are incredibly false. #nrl
— ColaFur (@cola_fur) June 21, 2025
While the Rabbitohs managed to claw their way back into the contest with a few minutes left, Bellamy was left fuming. The Storm were uncharacteristically ill-disciplined in the final 20 minutes against South Sydney and turned over the ball a number of times.
With the Storm leading 24-20 with five minutes left, Melbourne lost the ball pushing the past through the hands of the outside backs. This handed the Rabbitohs the ball and an attempt to level the game. And the broadcast panned up to coach Bellamy who was unleashing what appeared to be a tirade into the walkie talkie after the error.
Fans were left stunned and worried for the Storm players who were potentially in for one of Bellamy's stern talks in the dressing room. While Bellamy cut a more relaxed figure after the game, fans were left stunned at the coaching box blow-up.
Forget this game - Craig Bellamy is putting on an absolute fireworks display in the coach's box tonight. Seriously, he scares the shit out of me. You wouldn't go in the sheds at halftime. #NRLSouthsStorm
— Ross Martin (@RossMartin1960) June 21, 2025
Can we just get a coach camera in the top right of the broadcast the entire game. Would love to see Craig Bellamy on screen 24/7
— Xero (@Xero__AU) June 21, 2025
RELATED:
Tigers fans call out Marshall over bizarre snub of star as issue answered
Raiders stars in stunning move for Ricky Stuart and son after tough week
While Bellamy was left utterly frustrated with his team's performance in victory, he reserved plenty of praise for Bennett's side who were valiant in defeat. "We lost patience but having said that, you've got to give Souths a lot of credit for coming back," said Bellamy. "I think we were really fortunate to get out of it at the end."
The Storm jumped to third on the ladder after the victory, with the Warriors going down to the Panthers, while the Rabbitohs dropped to 15th as they wait for some of their stars to return. While the Rabbitohs are struggling for results, Johnston moved only six behind the benchmark of 212 tries that Ken Irvine set in 1973.
"I said to him at half-time, 'Have you got another try?' He said, 'I've got another couple in me'," Bennett said of Johnston, who scored his final three tries after the break. "He's pretty pleased with himself and we are too."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Matildas enter new cycle as Montemurro makes first squad call
After months of speculation, Joe Montemurro has officially stepped into the role of CommBank Matildas head coach — and his first squad selection gives a clear indication of what's to come. With four friendlies scheduled across Perth and Bunbury against Slovenia and Panama, Montemurro's 33-player squad is equal parts experimental and strategic. It looks firmly to the future but still respects the core of Australia's recent success. Advertisement Montemurro's coaching CV stands unmatched in Australian football. He's won titles at Melbourne City, Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon. Known for his tactical identity, culture-building and strong player relationships, Montemurro arrives with high expectations. His appointment brings cautious optimism — not because of his ability, but because of the scale of the task. The Matildas are not a dominant European club with a deep bench. They're a team balancing stars with the need to regenerate. In a crowded international calendar, Montemurro now has just four FIFA windows to prepare for the 2026 Asian Cup. 'This window is about setting the tone,' Montemurro said. 'We're laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive.' He has made the most of the extended international window by casting a wide net, selecting 14 A-League Women players and 16 players with fewer than 10 caps. Some players will feature only in the Slovenia series, while others will play exclusively in the Panama fixtures. The split allows for smart player management and the chance to test new combinations. A new generation steps in Among the standout inclusions are three first-time call-ups: Grace Kuilamu (Brisbane Roar), Adriana Taranto (Western United) and Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City). All three have impressed at club level and represent the next wave of Australian talent. Advertisement Also returning to the squad are players many fans have wanted back. Alex Chidiac — the reigning Julie Dolan Medallist — returns after being mostly overlooked by the previous regime. Emily Gielnik is fit again. Chloe Berryhill (née Logarzo) rejoins the team after a concussion cut her last appearance short. Embed from Getty Images Jacynta Galabadaarachchi also returns for the first time since 2022. Her selection is particularly notable — she had previously pledged her international future to Argentina. This suggests a renewed commitment to the Matildas and a fresh opportunity under Montemurro. Sharn Freier is another welcome return. The winger is back from a long-term injury and is set to join Wolfsburg in the upcoming season. Advertisement 'We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches,' Montemurro said, 'but to really explore the talent that's coming through. It's a rare opportunity to work with a broadened squad, give players their first or renewed taste of the environment and assess where we are as a group.' Rested, missing and unlucky Some big names are missing — but it's deliberate. Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry are all on personal leave. It's a sensible decision. Each has had an intense schedule and played a central role in recent Matildas campaigns. A break now could pay off when the Asian Cup comes around in March. Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr remain out with injury. Cortnee Vine continues her extended leave. A leg injury sidelined Tameka Yallop. Kahli Johnson, who showed promise in her debut series, misses out with a thigh strain. Advertisement Two players who can consider themselves unlucky are Izzy Gomez and Leticia McKenna. Gomez impressed against Argentina but didn't make the squad this time, with no injury reported. McKenna delivered a strong domestic season, and many expected her to earn a call-up. Embed from Getty Images Looking ahead Montemurro has been clear that this camp isn't just about winning — it's about building. With a home Asian Cup, a World Cup in Brazil and the LA Olympics ahead, the next few years are crucial. 'This camp is really an identification process,' he said. 'It's a process for the players to understand where we're heading. It's really, really important that we give every player an opportunity.' Advertisement The squad still features key leaders like Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond. They're joined by rising talents including Holly McNamara, Bryleeh Henry and Jamilla Rankin. It's a mix of experience and experimentation — exactly what this team needs. Embed from Getty Images The Matildas won't face judgment based on this window alone. But fans and critics will judge Montemurro. After a 10-month delay in replacing Tony Gustavsson, expectations are high. Whether this group delivers a trophy or not, it already shows a willingness to evolve. And that's exactly what Australian football needs right now. Related articles from Her Football Hub:
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan opens up on mental health struggles and hitting ‘rock bottom'
Western Bulldogs Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles on the Rip Through It podcast. Western Bulldogs Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles on the Rip Through It podcast. Photograph: Morgan Hancock/AAP The Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles for the first time since taking a leave of absence, saying there were times he 'didn't want to leave the house'. The former No 1 draft pick is hoping to make his AFL comeback after recently visiting a health retreat in northern New South Wales. Advertisement Ugle-Hagan has not played this season but rejoined Bulldogs teammates earlier this week for the first time since April. He revealed the extent of his struggles while speaking with former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson on their Rip Through It podcast, saying he had battled with suicidal thoughts. 'All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate, so I couldn't drive – I just didn't trust myself driving. 'There were times when I would think about, to be honest with you, [it is] just not even worth living. Advertisement 'I went through a struggle where I didn't want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom and found basement … suicidal thoughts would come pretty frequently.' Related: Callan Ward turning heartbreak into inspiration sums up all that is wonderful about AFL | Jonathan Horn Ugle-Hagan said he turned to alcohol at the height of his struggles before spending time at the health retreat. 'When you are down, you want to keep finding an upper,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'My upper was probably staying and hanging out with my mates and getting on the piss, and training with them as well. 'But it just had no end goal. I didn't have a game. I didn't have anything. Advertisement 'My mental health wasn't in the right space, so I was struggling, and I found it really tough to even enjoy football.' Ugle-Hagan had been unable to regularly train with the Dogs since late last year. He took part in a light training session at Whitten Oval, but could still be weeks away from a possible comeback at VFL level. The AFL would need to approve Ugle-Hagan's comeback because he has been under the league's mental health plan since taking leave. But Ugle-Hagan, who is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of next season, said he was focused on resuming his 67-game AFL career. The Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised that same prospect. Advertisement 'I want to play footy. I can't wait to play footy,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'I have been watching every single Bulldogs game. I have been supporting them. 'I will go to games at the end of the year. I genuinely want to play one more (game), I want to play some games. 'It's going to be grouse.' Ugle-Hagan maintained his commitment to the Bulldogs after trade speculation linked him with a possible trade to the Sydney Swans, given his time spent in NSW. He led the Bulldogs with a career-best 43 goals in 22 appearances last year, but has not featured at any level since the elimination final defeat to Hawthorn. Advertisement Beveridge has also swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move, declaring him 'our player'. 'I'm obviously still contracted with the Doggies and I still want to play for them and I want to win a flag,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'It's the Bulldogs until my contract runs out and then hopefully they offer me another one, but we will see how we go. 'They have given me opportunities since day dot, so why can't I get back?' – with Australian Associated Press
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
AFL fans divided over Nick Diacos' tagging treatment as celebration detail emerges
St Kilda's efforts to tag Nick Daicos have been labelled as a 'step too far' with the Collingwood midfielder's maturity highlighted amid the rough tactics. Daicos had to contend with one of his more challenging nights on Saturday after tagger Marcus Windhager got stuck into the Magpies star in Collingwood's 16.12 (108) to 11.8 (74) win. Despite the tactic, Daicos was the best on ground with 30 possessions and his crucial last-term goal left Windhager and his teammates demoralised. And while Daicos emerged with a smile on his face after getting the better of the duel, not all were impressed with the tactics. North Melbourne great David King understood it was the expectations of a tagger to frustrate Daicos and push him into making a mistake. One clip showed Windhager appearing to knee Daicos off the ball. And King felt the AFL might need to step in if it ramps up with the potential of injuring a superstar doing damage to the game. 'This is the sort of stuff that's going on. Little knees to the back of the hamstrings. I think that's too far,' King said on Saturday on Fox Sports. 'Taggers do anything to get under the skin ... just little things that are a step too far. (The knees) are a no-go, I think that's outside the code ... If that's happened 15-20 times, I'd expect a call from the AFL. We've got to look after our star-factor players. The game owes these players some sort of protection.' And it was this sentiment that prompted Collingwood coach Craig McRae to praise his players for stepping in and defending Daicos so he wasn't fighting the battle on his own. "There was always going to be a lot of cameras on it (the tag). The spotlight was on it," he said. "We don't want him to fight the battles, we'll fight them for him. "He didn't need to get caught up in the wrestle of that. As a team, we want to look after him. You'd say his performance was pretty impactful and then the way we looked after Nick, I was more proud than what we have (done) in recent times." But after weeks of suggestions Daicos needed to be tagged, questions are being asked if it was over the top. Although Daicos himself didn't have an issue having praised Windhager after the tussle. "Windhager has done some great jobs this year and I knew coming in would be a tough night," Daicos said to Fox Sports. "It's about how I can open up space for my teammates. I thought I was able to do that. I love playing in the midfield." And it was this tactical adjustment that prompted Rory Sloane to label him as one of the 'smartest' players in the comp. It's not the tagging it's the kneeing him in the legs and the pinching that pisses me off, and shouldn't the tagger at least have to pretend he is looking at the ball? — Garry (@i_hate_dan1) June 21, 2025 Speaking on Channel Nine, Sloane broke down how the tagging on Daicos allowed the Collingwood midfielder to open up space for his teammates. During the stoppages, Daicos was heavily marked. Although Sloane pointed out he was backing off and opening up channels for his teammates to run through. "Most teams don't tag because they feel like it pulls apart their structure. And last night it certainly pulled apart St Kilda's structure, particularly around centre bounce," Sloane said. "He is one of the smartest players in the comp..." Sloane felt Daicos was the stand out performer, especially in the fourth quarter. And while he could have celebrated to taunt Windhager after being tagged the whole game, Sloane felt it showed the young star's maturity to remain calm and walk away from the drama. "I think his whole game was enormous. His ability to stand up late in the last, and finish the goal. Not only celebration afterwards showed his maturity," Sloane said. "Didn't go at Marcus, he just got on with the game." Collingwood remained first on the ladder with 48 points, while St Kilda dropped to 15th. "He's one of the smartest players in the comp."Rory Sloane with the vision of how Nick Daicos used Marcus Windhager's tag to create space for teammates.#9AFLSFS | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️ — Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) June 22, 2025
