Latrell Mitchell returns to the South Sydney line-up on the weekend as a rag-tag, injury ravaged Rabbitohs take on St George Illwarra in round 10 of the NRL.

Saturday’s trip to Kogarah will be Mitchell’s first game in three weeks after he was sidelined for using his elbow to fend off Shaun Johnson.

“He fills people with confidence when he puts that jersey on,” halfback Cody Walker said.

“You look across at him in the sheds and he’s an elite player and we’re looking forward to having him back.”

With skipper Cameron Murray  facing eight weeks on the sidelines, Walker, who will play his 200th NRL game, will partner debutant No.7 Dion Teaupa, journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki will start on the wing and reserve grade forward Matt French will come onto the bench.

Walker was keen to downplay talk surrounding South Sydney’s pursuit of Wayne Bennett.

The Rabbitohs are edging closer to a deal which would bring the supercoach back to the club as Ben Hornby sees out 2024 as interim coach.

“There’s no secret about what I feel about Wayne and how the club feels about him,” Walker added.

“Obviously that’s not important at the moment.

“That’s further down the track and I probably won’t comment on something that’s far off in terms of next season.

“I think we’ve got more important things to worry about at the moment.”

AAP