Latrell Mitchell will be forced to serve his one-match ban at the start of next season, after the NRL officially rejected South Sydney's claims he is fit to play in round 27

The NRL has confirmed the Rabbitohs' last-round match against the Sydney Roosters could not count towards Mitchell's ban, as he was not considered fit.

Mitchell has not played since injuring his foot against Penrith on July 4. The Rabbitohs said last month he would not play again this season.

After he was hit with a one-game ban for a photo that showed him with white powder, Souths pushed for Mitchell to be considered fit... the long-running argument ended this morning, less than 12 hours out from the Rabbitohs' final-round clash with the Roosters.

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