Sin bin controversy as reared its ugly head again as the contrasting decisions left fans confused during Souths 42-26 win over Parramatta at Accor Stadium on Wanngal land.
It was a fast start for the Rabbitohs when Jai Arrow looked to go close and at first referee Chris Butler wanted him to play the ball before sending it to the bunker. It was a good thing that he did because replays showed the point of the ball hitting the line and Souths went 6-0 up after Latrell converted.
Things continued to look good for Souths as they added two more tries before the 20-minute mark as Keaon Kolomatangi charged over under the posts and then Dion Teaupa slid through some very fragile defence and after both were converted the home side had a 18-0 lead.
Souths extended their lead to 22-0 after 26 minutes when Parramatta turned the ball over again and Alex Johnston picked up another try.
Things began to turn suddenly as the Blue and Gold put two tries on the board in the space of two minutes when Blaize Talagi and Sean Russell were able to go over and Parramatta closed the gap to 22-12.
A big talking point came inside the final 90 seconds when Latrell Mitchell was sent to the sin bin by referee Chris Butler for a hip drop tackle.
The Eels took advantage of the extra man early in the second half when they closed the gap to 22-16 after a cross-field kick was knocked backwards for the Eels by Bryce Cartwright and the Blue and Gold spread the ball right and Morgan Harper scored. The conversion was waved away.
Controversy reigned again around hip drop tackles and dangerous leg tackles as Joe Ofahengaue was penalised and everybody expected him to go to the sin bin but the issue was just put on report.
Souths took advantage though as Sean Keppie scored after chasing through a kick and getting to the ball first. Latrell Mitchell converted from close range to give Souths a 30-16 lead.
The ball went back and forth but it was some repeat possession for the Eels that got them back on the board and gave them a fighting chance as Maika Sivo went over in the corner.
The comeback hopes were short lived as the boot of Latrell set up the next two tries for Souths with Damien Cook chasing through and grounding a grubber kick. Soon after, a floating bomb was spilt by Eels fullback Blaize Talagi and it was Keaon Kolomatangi who got there first to score.
A consolation try came inside the final sixty seconds for Parramatta when Maika Sivo went over to score but a comeback hope was gone.
Luckily for Souths, a bye next week means Jack Wighton should be right for their clash against the Titans in a fortnight BUT they will have a nervous wait overnight to see what charge if any is handed against Latrell Mitchell. Parramatta don't have the luxury of the bye as they have a clash with the Cowboys next week.