Suspended South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell says he is doing "everything in his power" to prepare his teammates for their first Grand Final since 2014 when they take on Penrith this Sunday.
Mitchell is on the sideline for six weeks after a tackle on Roosters centre Joey Manu in Round 24 that broke his cheekbone.
Speaking to , Mitchell lamented not being able to take part in the clash but said he has been taking on his team on the training paddock, in order to steel them for what is predicted to be a slugfest against the Panthers.
"It's been alright, obviously, it's disappointing that I can't be there with them," he said.
"Just getting around training and getting the younger fellas ready and even with Codes [Cody Walker] just getting with him and having a good yarn and training hard against them.
"I'm not holding back for them I want them to go into this game knowing that they've done everything possible and I've done everything in my power to get these boys ready to be able to perform.
"I'm the energy man now."
Mitchell and five-eighth Cody Walker made their NRL debuts in the same game, the opening round of 2016 when Walker got the upper hand with Souths crushing the Roosters 42-10.
The Biripi-Wiradjuri man said it will be tough not running out alongside his good friend.
"That's the saddest thing about me is not being there with him to share that moment but I'm so happy for him," he said.
"It's probably going to be the highlight of his career next to putting that Indigenous jersey on and captaining. I can't wait for him to run out there and do what he does best.
Mitchell has been giving advice to young fullback Blake Taaffe, who is sure to again be targeted by the elite kicking game of Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary, who peppered the 22-year-old in Souths' 16-10 qualifying final win three weeks ago.
Latrell Mitchell and his good friend Cody Walker playing against the Bulldogs earlier this season. Source: AAP
The La Perouse junior has been growing in confidence with each match, and this weekend will become the most inexperienced player to contest a grand final in the NRL era, with just 7 runs to his name.
Mitchell has the utmost confidence in his understudy.
I think just a bit of belief in his catch, he's trained it, he has played fullback most of his life ... I have played against Nath [Cleary] a bit and I know what heat he puts on that kick, " he said,
"It's a hard one but just going through this week, getting him ready and putting a few up for him will be the best chance."
He also believes his team will come out victorious.
"I reckon we'll put 30 on these fullas but that's just me," he said with a laugh.
