The gargantuan talking point coming out of the clash between arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs was the hit that Latrell Mitchell put on former teammate and close friend Joseph Manu during the game that resulted in Mitchell being sin-binned and Manu being taken off for the rest of the game.

We now have a clearer idea as to what fate awaits the Rabbitohs fullback, as Mitchell has been charged with a grade two reckless high tackle and is set to be suspended for six weeks if he pleads guilty or up to nine weeks if he tries to fight the charges, meaning either way, he will miss the rest of the 2021 NRL season, which has delivered a substantial blow to South Sydney’s premiership chances.

The NRL Physio Brien Seeney has confirmed that the New Zealand International has suffered from an orbital fracture, due to what occurred in a video that displays the moment Manu’s eye inflates.

“Plenty asking about this; effectively confirms an orbital (eye socket) fracture on the spot,” reported Seeney via the NRL Physio on social media.

Latrell Mitchell sent to the bin for this hit 👀 #NRLRoostersSouths

👉 https://t.co/lG2hdUQOso

📺 WATCH via Kayo Sports https://t.co/ixM4yjsFe8 pic.twitter.com/C0ds1xZXjN

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 27, 2021

“The puffing up is air that builds up in the nose and sinuses that escape into the tissue around the eye through a fracture in the socket (sinuses sit around the eye socket).

“Terrible to see for Manu who went straight to hospital.”

Manu was visibly distressed following the incident, and not just as a result of the pain he must have been feeling, as he confronted his close friend, seemingly letting Mitchell know that he had just ended his season.

While people can debate whether or not the hit was intentional from Mitchell, it is clear to see that Manu feels betrayed and likely let down, not only due to the fact that his season is now over, but because the person who ended his season was a close friend.

Other charges being handed down from Friday night include Matthew Lodge being hit with a grade one dangerous charge, Isaac Liu being charged with a grade one careless high tackle, Liam Knight receiving a grade three dangerous contact charge, Egan Butcher charged with a grade one dangerous throw and Dane Gagai who has been hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge.