There's a potential huge boost for South Sydney and their race to cement a finals spot with Latrell Mitchell expected to make his return this weekend after more than three months on the sidelines, and from a surprising position.
Mitchell has been named on the Bunnies' extended bench for Saturday afternoon's away clash with the Titans, on what's also set to be a highly emotional day for the club.
Special exceptions will allow Jai Arrow to 'play' his 99th game for Souths as the first interchange of the match.
Arrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease earlier this year, will pull on the Rabbitohs' uniform, lead the team out and be the team's first interchange made in the opening seconds without taking part in play, and sit on the interchange bench for the remainder of the match.
The exception will also be used in next week's final game of the home-and-away season against the Roosters, allowing Arrow to reach 100 NRL games with the Bunnies.
Souths have been allowed an additional player to be named to allow for the effort. Arrow has been named in the starting lineup and as a co-captain.
Also taking to the bench for the start of the match will be Mitchell.
The 29-year-old has been named in the number 19 jumper.
Mitchell has not featured since round 11 with lower back and calf issues derailing his season.
South Sydney sit seventh, one win inside the top eight equal on points with the Cowboys behind them.
The ninth placed Bulldogs have 28 points to their 30 ahead of the two games before finals.
Speaking to media, veteran half Cody Walker said his side understands they need to be one their game against the Titans, after the opponent pushed the fifth-placed Sharks in an eventual losing effort last weekend.
Walker added the emotions drawn from Arrow's 'return' will play a role in motivating the group to get the two points, much like how their teammate's condition has been something galvanising the group throughout 2026.
"A lot of the guys in the background have to be commended and congratulated in getting this over the line," Walker said of the exceptions granted for Arrow, also acknowledging the work of the NRL, ARL, RLPA and Souths coach Wayne Bennett in seeing it come to fruition.
The Titans, who Arrow previously played for, are set to wear a special Stand With Jai jersey.
