The NRL is facing significant criticism regarding a request to allow Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr to serve their suspensions during the All Stars game on February 15, 2025. Rugby league veteran Scott Sattler has voiced his opposition, arguing that granting the request would set a troubling precedent. Both South Sydney Rabbitohs and Parramatta Eels have submitted applications to count the Indigenous vs. Maori All-Stars match as part of the players’ suspension period.
Mitchell received a one-match suspension along with a $20,000 fine after being photographed with what appeared to be a white powder while attending coaching clinics in Dubbo earlier this year. Attempts to serve this suspension during the final rounds of the 2024 season were rejected by the NRL, leaving him to carry the penalty into the new year. Meanwhile, Addo-Carr, recently signed by Parramatta, faces a four-match ban after testing positive for cocaine while driving, an incident that also led to his exit from the Canterbury Bulldogs. The Eels are hoping to reduce his remaining three-match suspension by including the All Stars game.
Sattler, a former premiership winner and son of South Sydney legend John Sattler, has called on NRL officials to reject the clubs’ requests. He emphasized the importance of differentiating between on-field and off-field infractions when applying suspension rules. While supportive of players serving suspensions for on-field incidents during representative matches, Sattler believes off-field violations, such as those involving Mitchell and Addo-Carr, should require fulfillment during regular NRL games.
“From a fan perspective, I’d love to see Mitchell return for round one,” Sattler stated during an SEN radio interview. “But this was an off-field issue, and allowing the All Stars game to count toward their suspension sends the wrong message. Clubs naturally want their stars back as quickly as possible, but we need to uphold the integrity of the rules.”
Sattler also highlighted the potential long-term implications, warning that such allowances could erode consistency in suspension enforcement. He referenced past cases, such as Braydon Trindall and others who faced game bans due to drug-related incidents, as setting a standard the league should maintain.
The absence of Mitchell and Addo-Carr would undoubtedly impact the All Stars game, where both have been long-time representatives of the Indigenous team. However, the Rabbitohs and Eels are eager to expedite their players’ return following disappointing 2024 campaigns. Recent examples, like Api Koroisau serving bans through Fiji’s international matches and Cameron Murray’s suspension being counted during a PM XIII game, suggest the NRL may be open to similar applications.
Still, Sattler’s concerns underscore the broader debate about fairness and the need to prioritize the league’s integrity over individual club interests. As the NRL deliberates, the outcome will likely influence future suspension policies and their alignment with representative matches.