South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has revealed a bulging disc in his lower back was so severe he doubted he would make it back to the NRL this year.
The injury restricted him to just nine games before he was forced out for 15 weeks, returning for the Rabbitohs' last two games of the regular season where they posted strong wins over Gold Coast and Sydney Roosters.
That has the Bunnies primed for their elimination final against Newcastle on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, with two of their biggest performers in Mitchell and backrower David Fifita (hamstring) now at full strength.
But the picture wasn't that rosy only recently with persistent pain in his back and down his legs.
"For me I wanted to come back and add a bit of value, and to be fair, I didn't know if I was going to play again this year," Mitchell said on Tuesday.
"But something turned the corner and I was very happy ... just couldn't wait to be back for my teammates.
"I was just going through the process and getting a lot of opinions, but there were some times there it was questionable.
"It was a bulging disc and apparently I've had it for a long time. But at halftime in the Knights (round-nine) game it was burning me ... you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy.
"But look it is what it is, and now I'm moving forward."
Latrell's impact has been immediate with a try, two try-assists, six tackle busts and two line breaks in his first two games back.
His front-on tackle of rookie Roosters halfback Toby Rodwell drew some criticism from Mitchell's former Roosters and NSW Origin teammate James Tedesco.
"It was fair play from Trell, the hit he put on, but I'm not sure about standing over him after. The poor kid is only 20 years-old and played two games," Tedesco told Channel Nine.
Mitchell replied in his debut as an 18 year-old in 2016 he had big-name players like Nat Myles and Jamie Lyon let him know the arena he was walking into.
"I do wish him (Rodwell) the best, it's just a 'welcome to first grade' thing. I got banged - it is what it is," Mitchell said.
"He (Tedesco) has got my number, if he's got a problem, ring me."
For the 29 year-old Mitchell - a two-time premiership winner with the Roosters - he is back in the NRL finals for the first time in four years.
"I'm keen. It's special and (coach) Wayne (Bennett) is a special man. We've got a good bunch of blokes here and we just want to do each other proud," Mitchell said.
"I love finals footy; I love big games. I've been and done it so for me it's about adding my value and experience now and doing it consistently.
"I've just come back and now my full focus is on the team."
Australian Associated Press
