Latrell Mitchell has returned from injury with pure genius to inspire a controversial 20-18 win over Gold Coast that ended a nine-match losing streak and lifted his side off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

Captaining the side from left centre, Mitchell had a raft of sublime touches that turned the match in his first game in four weeks due to a quadriceps injury.

"We probably don't win if he doesn't play," Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said of Mitchell.

"The other guys have all been playing their hearts out and doing their best. He's just a quality player, in the top four or five in the country, and showed that today."

The Latrell/Johnston combo is deadly! ðŸ"¥

Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/OQnUnY4gKu

— NRL (@NRL) August 10, 2025

Souths had drama on match eve when utility Brandon Smith was questioned by police on arrival at Coolangatta Airport but he was released without charge and took his place on the bench.

"It's an issue we are not going to talk about," Bennett said.

Bennett was also asked why he didn't interview Smith, given he is a former policeman.

"I did," he grinned.

Smith was excellent, with his scheming efforts giving Souths momentum.

Mitchell made an immediate impact with a slick catch and pass for winger Alex Johnston to score his 208th career try.

He then pulled off an incredible try saver when Campbell was about to put the ball down under the sticks before Mitchell smashed him and jolted the ball free.

Latrell Mitchell saves the day! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JGQ1XJUhQA

— NRL (@NRL) August 10, 2025

Mitchell genius gave Johnston his 209th try. He leapt high to snaffle a Jamie Humphreys bomb and followed that up with a freakish flick pass to put the dashing winger over.

Titans hooker Sam Verrills darted over from dummy-half in his 100th NRL match despite the protestations of Mitchell.

The match had a dramatic ending with Souths forward Jai Arrow hitting Titans half Jayden Campbell high in the final minute in front of the posts with no penalty awarded.

Joe Gould - AAP