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Latrell Mitchell`s return boosts Rabbitohs for 2025, while Campbell Graham faces injury setbacks ahead of the season.

Latrell Mitchell has been cleared to play in the South Sydney Rabbitohs` season opener for 2025, marking a significant boost for the team. The NRL has ruled that his participation in the All Stars fixture counts towards his suspension, allowing him to return just in time for the crucial first match. This decision is a relief for the Rabbitohs as they aim to kick off their campaign on a strong note.

However, the club faces challenges as centre Campbell Graham has encountered a setback in his recovery from injury and will need to consult a specialist. The Rabbitohs will be closely monitoring his progress as they prepare for the upcoming season.

In other team news, the Dolphins have announced that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will take on the fullback role in 2025. The club is also narrowing down its captaincy options to four players, with a decision on the leadership yet to be finalized.

Expansion talks for the NRL continue, with Perth`s bid for a franchise still under discussion. ARL Commission chairman Peter V`landys has indicated that positive conversations are ongoing, but a final decision may be postponed until after the Western Australian state election on March 8. The potential entry of a Perth team could precede Papua New Guinea`s planned inclusion in 2028.

As teams gear up for the new season, a statistical analysis has ranked the most influential NRL players for 2025 based on their performances over the last three seasons. The rankings reflect recent form, emphasizing the importance of the latest season`s impact. The NRL Casualty Ward report highlights that several key players, including prominent playmakers, are racing against time to recover from injuries ahead of the season start.

#NRL,#Rabbitohs,#LatrellMitchell,#RugbyLeague,#Dolphins