Latrell Mitchell returned to South Sydney training on Thursday as head coach Jason Demetriou faced up to the prospect of watching Friday's derby with the Sydney Roosters from the couch.
Demetriou contracted COVID-19 on Tuesday, with assistant Ben Hornby set to take the reins for Friday's clash at the new Allianz Stadium with the Rabbitohs' fiercest rivals.
Hornby said he was excited by the prospect of taking charge of Souths, although he will be without star hooker Damien Cook (COVID-19).