Jason Demetriou drops major hint on Jye Gray, Latrell Mitchell selection dilemma at South Sydney Rabbitohs
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Jason Demetriou has revealed Jye Gray is « every chance » to hold onto the fullback spot at South Sydney, potentially pushing suspended star Latrell Mitchell to the centres.
The 20-year-old produced an impressive debut performance for the Rabbitohs in round six, running for for over 170 metres in the side’s loss to Cronulla.
Gray is a highly-touted prospect at Redfern and is more of a specialist fullback, compared to Mitchell who spent the first five years of his career at centre.
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In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the embattled coach gave no assurances for either player regarding the spot, with Gray given two games to impress.
« It’s Jye’s spot at the moment, and if he keeps playing well, he’s every chance to keep it, » Demetriou told this masthead.
« You never know in rugby league. Who is available in another two weeks’ time might be different to who is available now.
« There’s more to come from him. We said before the game he had earned the right to be here, and he should go out and enjoy it. One game was not going to define him.
« It’s just the start. »
Gray moved to the Bunnies after playing for Queensland in the U19s State of Origin two years ago and has become an instant hit among his teammates and the club’s fans.
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At just 170cm, Gray is the shortest player in any NRL squad – but what he lacks in height he certainly makes up for in speed and class.
In an exclusive column for Wide World Of Sports earlier this week, Paul Gallen urged the Rabbitohs to allow Gray time to develop into the No.1 jumper in the top grade and move Mitchell out wide to balance out their injury-depleted backline.
Mitchell is due back from suspension in round 10 against the Dragons, with his side due for a bye in round seven before tough fixtures against the the Storm and Panthers.
