South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has given the clearest indication yet Latrell Mitchell will finally return from injury in round 26.
The superstar centre has not played since Magic Round in May, hampered by nerve damage detected in his recovery from back and calf injuries.
Mitchell trained on Monday and was listed in Souths' extended squad to face the Warriors this Saturday before being placed on ice.
Souths have routinely been unable to put a firm timeline on Mitchell's recovery, which has involved consultations with a neurologist.
But Bennett is now hopeful the talismanic Mitchell will make his long-awaited return against Gold Coast next week.
"I'm confident," the coach said.
"There was a chance (for this week). He trained pretty well but just probably needs another week.
"We took a cautious approach and we'll give him another week."
Mitchell had appeared a chance of sitting the remainder of the season out, but his impending return shapes as a timely boost for the seventh-placed Souths' run to finals.
The former NSW star had been in career-best touch prior to first tweaking his back against Newcastle in round nine.
Bennett would not be drawn on just how significant Mitchell's return could be for a Souths side looking to shore up a first finals berth since 2022.
"Why don't you ask me that next week? That'd be good," he said.
An upset defeat of the third-placed Warriors this week would all but confirm the Rabbitohs' finals berth, another victory making it a sure thing.
Alternatively, if the Rabbitohs beat the Warriors and St George Illawarra upset Canterbury later in the day, Souths will be locked in for finals.
Bennett is hoping for a disciplined showing against the high-flying Warriors, who are dreaming of a fairytale first premiership in 2026.
"Our key is minimise our errors. We did that really well last week," Bennett said.
"We know what works for us, our execution relies upon the ability to make sure we're completing sets and not giving up ball in cheap areas and that type of stuff."
Campbell Graham sat out of captain's run on Friday as he continues to manage a calf injury, but is expected to line up on Souths' right wing as planned.
