Souths consider Latrell move amid Burgess rumors, Raiders lose another half, To’o and Tonegato claim awards

Latrell Mitchell’s place as the Souths’ full-back could be in jeopardy as sources inside the club leaked the Bunnies superstar could be moved to center-backs if Jack Wighton arrives.

Club insiders believe Mitchell doesn’t have the fitness to play one Sydney Morning Heraldand coach Jason Demetriou is asked about a possible move back to the centers, where he played with the Sydney Roosters before moving to the Souths.

Playing center would give Mitchell more freedom to deviate from his position while Wighton would be given some of the less glamorous duties like kick returns and yardage work.

The herald also reported that Demetriou Warrington has been offered in a swap deal for Sam Burgess, who sensationally left the Souths two weeks ago and will take up a head coaching role at the Super League club next year.

The Bunnies deny the claims and Demetriou himself only signed a 2026 extension a few months ago.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MAY 6: Matt Frawley of the Raiders walks to the try-line to score during the NRL Ninth Round game between the Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs at GIO Stadium on May 6, 2022 in Canberra, Australia score. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The Raiders are half moving

The Raiders are set to lose another half for 2024 as Matt Frawley is set to agree a deal with the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League.

This is his second appearance in Britain after 22 games for Huddersfield in 2019 and comes at a time when Canberra have enjoyed an extended first-half stint in the first class.

Frawley has been a substitute for most of the year but is now on the starting team as Ricky Stuart decided towards the end of the season to reshuffle his back line, with Jack Wighton dropping the 6th jumper and adding the halfback.

The 28-year-old has made over 50 first-class appearances and one season in the Super League in his seven-year career and is considered one of the best substitutes in the NRL.

He replaces Aidan Sezer, who leaves the Rhinos to join the Wests Tigers, and accompanies Lachlan Miller on the journey north from the NRL in 2024.

To’o and Tonegato take top honors

Brian To’o has cemented his status as one of the NRL’s most dangerous wingers by being named NSW’s Best Player in this year’s State of Origin series.

To’o received his first representative award on Monday night at the Brad Fittler Medal, being rewarded for being a strong winger in the Blues’ 2-1 series loss to Queensland.

Against strong opposition from his Penrith teammate Liam Martin, To’o became the second Panther, after Nathan Cleary, to be awarded the medal named after the Penrith legend.

Cronulla’s full-back Emma Tonegato was hailed as NSW’s best player after starring in the Sky Blues’ game two win in Townsville.

While Martin missed out on the grand prize, he was presented with the True Blue Award for embodiment of the state spirit after surviving a series of injuries to play through the series.

South Sydney five-eighth player Cody Walker also won the fan award after playing a lead in the Blues’ lone win in game three.

After being told he was too small to even play in first grade, To’o has emerged as the sport’s strongest full-back in recent years, for both Penrith and NSW.

“What a huge honor, I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would receive this award,” To’o said.

“It’s one of the highest honors I’ve ever received, I’m truly blessed. It’s the biggest thing I can think of.”

To’o averaged 211 yards per game for the Blues this year, reaching 258 yards in the final game in Sydney, where he also scored the opener.

“Brian embodies the qualities of a NSW Blues player as he always gives his all when he puts the jersey on,” said Blues coach Fittler.

“He’s a hard worker in training and on the field and brings a great energy to camp that other players love to be around.

“Liam brings a lot of natural aggressiveness to the team and I can always count on him to do his job for me, while Cody has shown just how dangerous he can be after being recalled for game three.”

Tonegato received her award after completing 238 yards and 11 tackles as NSW fell four points short of Origin’s title defense in the fore-and-against duel.

“It’s very special to be voted Player of the Series by the players and the coaching staff, it’s an incredible honor,” said Tonegato.

NSW captain Kezie Apps was handed the True Blue award after surviving a leg injury and being the team’s best side as a propman in the opening defeat in Sydney.

“I’m so happy for Kezie because she’s had to work so hard this year to even get on the field after her injury.

“Getting out there and performing like that, even in a new position, has been inspiring to her teammates and underscores her leadership qualities.”

With AAP