By SCOTT BAILEY

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has ruled out picking Latrell Mitchell for the end-of-year Pacific Championships, as South Sydney fight to avoid any NRL ban going into next season.

With an NRL breach notice still hanging over his head and questions over when a one-match ban will be served, Mitchell has had positive scans on the state of his injured foot.

South Sydney had long held hope that Mitchell could return this season if they remained in finals contention, after he was hurt before State of Origin III.

But even if he is fit, Meninga indicated on Friday that Mitchell would not form part of his Australian squad for the end-of-season Pacific Championships against New Zealand and Tonga.

“At this stage we’re unsure where Latrell is. But I don’t think he has probably played enough games and in a good headspace to be in contention,” Meninga said.

“Tommy Turbo (Trbojevic) showed again last night how great of a player he is, he can play anywhere. I’m not quite sure where Bradman Best is.

“We’ve obviously got Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, he has played centres. Kotoni Staggs has had a great back-end of the year as well.

“We’ve got some quality players we can pick from.”

Mitchell is also due to front South Sydney’s board in the next week over his behaviour, the white-powder image coming at the end of a drama-charged year.

AAP