South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou was happy with Latrell Mitchell's return to the Rabbitohs side but says there is much more to come from the superstar.
Souths are priced at 11/1 to win the grand final in 2022 and Mitchell will need to have a great season if they are to go all the way.
Solid return
Mitchell was making his first appearance in seventh months against Melbourne Storm on Thursday night and was in the thick of the action during the 15-14 golden-point loss.
The fullback missed some crucial conversions but then stepped up at the death with a brilliant two-point field goal to take the game into extra time.
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Demetriou was happy with Mitchell's display and believes just like Cameron Murray, his game will move up another notch in the next round.
"I thought (Mitchell) was pretty good considering the time he had out of the game and the miles you have to do as a fullback," the coach told reporters after the game.
"I thought he handled it well. and he’s only going to get better. I thought Cam after shoulder surgery looked a lot better this week than he did last week and I’m sure Latrell will be the same next week.
"We’re getting our key players back and getting minutes into them as well. We are tracking in the right direction, we’ve just got to stay to the process and keep believing we are going to nail it."
Ilias praise
Meanwhile Demetriou also had plenty of praise for halfback Lachlan Ilias who has the unenviable task of trying to replace Adam Reynolds following his move to Brisbane.
"While there are things for him to work on, I am comfortable with his temperament. I thought overall he kicked really well and it’s a work in progress," Demetriou added.
"It’s my job and the coaches’ job to keep working with Lachie and he’s long term, he’s going nowhere. He’ll be the future of the club, no doubt about that."
