The Panthers have proven they always have a plan to replace their outgoing stars, with one outside back’s blistering showing not being enough to retain his spot.
The Fijian international then went to the market and was snapped up by the Tigers to become a ready-made fullback replacement and a regular starter. Alamoti has played two games for the Panthers in first grade and was excellent against the Cowboys in Round 8. It’s a tough decision and one that the 18-year-old will be stewing on undoubtedly, but he’s been replaced by the returning Albert Hopoate.
He’s signed until the end of the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027 showing the club’s bosses have faith in him to become a regular NRL player. “I know at 18 I wasn’t ready to play NRL. At 18 him out there tonight how he handled that second half he showed me that he has a future in the NRL. Mitchell is most likely to take back his No.1 jersey, but if Gray has a blinder and Hawkins struggles a halves shake-up could be on the cards.
The challenge for Souths is to get the best out of Mitchell because nothing short of him returning to his peak will save Souths’ season, which could already be beyond saving anyway.