As Souths head to Tamworth on Friday to face a Tigers side who are winless in seven games, Demetriou believes the extra rest will serve Mitchell well. 

“We made the decision to make sure we got that extra load into him and that he’s firing on all cylinders,” Demetriou said.

“He’s backed up a full week of training again and he came in on the weekend and did some extra work.

The injury has been fine for a few weeks but we want him to be able to handle a whole 80 minutes and back up for another six, seven, eight weeks.

“I would’ve liked him back six weeks ago but he’s ready to go. We’ve missed the energy he brings around the place.”

Demetriou’s side (10-9) sit in ninth spot on the NRL ladder, with their bid to seal a top-four finish hampered by injuries and State of Origin call-ups.

The Souths coach said he was not worried about where his side stood ahead of a run home that takes in games against the Tigers, Cronulla, St George Illawarra, Newcastle and the Sydney Roosters.

“I know what's in this changing room,” Demetriou said.

“I'm really comfortable with what they can achieve. We have got to really knuckle down because we’ve got one more push to get over this little lull we’re in.

“Once we get over that, the momentum will start again but we've got to be willing to work hard.”

Demetriou conceded Blake Taaffe is likely to leave the club after the back-up fullback was photographed meeting with Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo in recent weeks.

“We’d love Blake to stay but he’s a first-grader and there are times you’ve got to spread your wings,” Demetriou said.

“That’s the unfortunate side of being in a good team.” 

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