Jennings ban could mean Mitchell debut

Rising star Latrell Mitchell could make his much anticipated NRL debut for Sydney Roosters this week, after Michael Jennings was hit with a high tackle charge by the match review committee on Monday.

Jennings was charged with a grade one high tackle for a hit on Darius Boyd early in the Roosters’ win over Brisbane on Saturday.

The NSW centre will incur a one-match suspension if he takes the early guilty plea on the charge. The same penalty applies if he unsuccessfully fights the charge at the judiciary.

A ban for Jennings will further test the Roosters’ depth.

The club is already without Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Mitchell Pearce and Sam Moa for Friday’s round 25 clash with Manly due to injury.

Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s absence due to concerns over his mental well being is also likely to continue.

That could pave the way for Mitchell, 18, who was 18th man for the match against Brisbane, to make his first grade debut against the Sea Eagles.

Dubbed “the next Greg Inglis” Mitchell, 18, is considered one of rugby league’s most promising youngsters and has represented NSW at Under-20 and Under-18 level as well as playing for the Australian Schoolboys.

Jennings is one of four players in line for suspension due to incidents from round 24.

Repeat offender Canberra’s Joseph Leilua faces two matches on the sideline for a shoulder charge on Gold Coast’s David Mead. Leilua was outed earlier this month for one match for the controversial tackle.

The Titans’ Ryan James could be banned for a match over a crusher tackle on Raiders’ playermaker Sam Williams, also during Gold Coast’s win on Sunday.

St George Illawarra back-rower Jake Marketo has taken the early guilty plea on a grade-one dangerous throw and will miss the Dragons’ clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

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