How one NRL club boss reduced his opposite number to tears in the best way possible – despite their teams having the most heated rivalry in footy

• Incredible gesture from Souths chairman Nick Pappas
• Staged a dinner for Roosters ‘Godfather’ Nick Politis
• Acknowledged Politis’ contribution to Greek community

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters are fierce NRL rivals to the point of hatred – but Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas has nothing but admiration for his counterpart Nick Politis.

Pappas showed just how highly he regards Politis after staging a recent dinner at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney’s CBD to honour ‘Uncle Nick’ for his ongoing contribution to the Greek community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the 600 or so guests who attended the ritzy dinner at Martin Place, with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis pre-recording a speech which was played on the night, according to News Corp.

Politis was said to be honoured by the gesture from Pappas.

But the pair’s long-standing friendship will be put to one side on Friday night when the latest ‘Book of Feuds’ between the two foundation clubs is played out of Accor Stadium.

The return of Latrell Mitchell from a hamstring injury will lift the in-form Bunnies, but coach Wayne Bennett couldn’t guarantee ‘Trell Mit’ won’t see red.

Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas has nothing but admiration for his Roosters counterpart Nick Politis

Pappas recently staged a dinner at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney’s CBD to honour ‘Uncle Nick’ for his ongoing contribution to the Greek community (Politis is pictured with James Tedesco after winning the 2019 NRL Grand Final)

It comes as Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell returns from injury to face his old club on Friday night

There is no love lost between the 27-year-old and the Tricolours where he won two premierships, particularly in the years since the sickening high shot on Joey Manu in 2021 which led to Mitchell receiving a six-game ban and missing that year’s grand final against Penrith.

The Manu incident was coincidentally the last time Mitchell was coached by Bennett and he will mark his return in the week the NRL launched a crackdown on head-high contact.

Bennett is adamant Mitchell has developed a calmer and more focused edge in their years apart.

‘I haven’t sprinkled any (magic) dust on anybody, he’s fit and ready to go,’ he said.

‘He looks great, I’ve been away for a couple of years – and I didn’t take a lot of notice of him when I was away – but he looks great now.

‘He’s grown up, accepted his responsibilities, he has a young family.

‘His presence is his greatest attribute, he helps other people around him play well.’

But the concern will be after so much time out if Mitchell – the most sin-binned player in the competition – can control his emotions.

Bennett confirmed Mitchell will assume goalkicking duties on Friday and eventually return to his customary role of fullback once his team has some more players back on deck.

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How one NRL club boss reduced his opposite number to tears in the best way possible – despite their teams having the most heated rivalry in footy

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