NRL: South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett backs Latrell Mitchell to handle captaincy responsibility in Perth

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett believes the added responsibility of captaincy will have no effect on Latrell Mitchell as the Rabbitohs star also prepares for a fresh role.

It comes as Bennett confirmed Mitchell’s newfound grasp on the six jersey was out of necessity and would unlikely be permanent beyond the return of Cody Walker.

Mitchell will be one of the household names on show at Optus Stadium on Saturday when an NRL doubleheader rolls into Perth, with South Sydney facing North Queensland after Cronulla goes head-to-head with Manly.

Despite a growing injury list, Bennett has steered the Rabbitohs to four wins from their opening five games upon his return to South Sydney.

With regular skipper Cameron Murray sidelined with a torn Achilles and replacement captain Walker one of three players who sustained hamstring injuries in the Rabbitohs’ gutsy win over Sydney Roosters last week, Mitchell will captain the side.

Bennett backed Mitchell to take the extra responsibility in his stride and did not think it would affect his performance.

“I don’t think the captaincy will make any difference to that. I want his best wherever he plays, as I want for all the players,” Bennett said.

“I don’t think the captaincy’s going to make a difference. He’ll handle the responsibility, and that’s important.”

Mitchell started at centre in the victory over the Roosters, but Walker’s absence means he will pivot to five-eighth against the Cowboys.

While Bennett conceded Mitchell taking over the position could be an option long-term, he backed Walker to take back the role upon his return, with Mitchell likely to return to full-back.

“That’s a possibility. But not now, won’t be next year. Cody will be the five-eighth, and when we’re all together properly, Latrell will be the fullback.”

With Mitchell having moved from full-back due to injuries in other positions, Bennett also praised emerging Jye Gray for his impact since slotting into 1.

“My expectations are pretty high, so he probably hasn’t (exceeded them) but he’s been very good,” Bennett said.

“His bravery, he’s highly skilled and when I first started going to training with him I realised his communication was really good.

“He knows what’s going on out there, he’s pretty smart so all those things help him and get him through the game and at his size, that’s quite an effort.”

“I’m happy with what he is doing right now. We have a situation like we have this week with Latrell having to play five-eighth.

“I think he (Gray) could play in the centres, I think he could probably play anywhere.”