Sunday's fixture at Robina will feature two veteran coaches - Titans' Des Hasler and Rabbitohs' Wayne Bennett - who have not finished last in their stellar premiership careers as mentors.
Seven-time title winner Bennett did take out a wooden spoon while coaching Brothers in the Brisbane Rugby League in 1981, but has not had that ignominy since taking over with Don Furner as co-coach at Canberra in 1987.
The Rabbitohs are last on 16 points, the same tally as the Titans but with a worse for-and-against. They do have a bye to come, which will deliver a vital two competition points.
For that reason the Titans simply cannot afford to lose because the Rabbitohs would then finish the round in effect two wins ahead of them.
Hasler is contracted until the end of next year, and there has been much speculation about the two-time premiership winner's future and whether he will survive the axe.
One clear sign over the past four weeks is that the Titans' players have not turned it up. They have won just once, a fabulous 24-16 away win in Auckland over the Warriors in Hasler's 500th as mentor, but a narrow 21-20 loss to Wests Tigers and 30-26 golden-point defeat at the hands of four-time back-to-back premiership winners Penrith last week showcased a side on the improve.
"The players realise it was close, but we've got to reach the win," Hasler said.
"I've got to say their past month of footy has been very good. We've got to keep doing that. It is about the day and making sure we are ready to front up.
"I've been watching the Rabbitohs over the last month and they have been playing really competitive. You've got to ignore the scoreline. It is the way they have been showing up and working hard for each other.
"We are going to have to work really hard. They make you do that."
The Rabbitohs welcome back Mitchell, utility Brandon Smith, hooker Peter Mamouzelos and half Jamie Humphreys from injury.
The inclusion of Mitchell is a huge boost after he missed five weeks with a quadriceps injury. Jye Gray remains at fullback.
"It is just that great ability he has got. He is a bit out of touch," Bennett said of Mitchell.
"He hasn't played for five or six weeks, so I am not expecting miracles from him but he gives us confidence.
"He will be left centre. Jye is a wonderful young player, and it makes us stronger having Latrell in the centres and Jye at fullback at the moment. I am not committed to that totally, but we will see how it goes tomorrow."
Sunday's clash doubles as the 100th in the career of Titans hooker Sam Verrills, who won the 2018 premiership at the Sydney Roosters.
"It is great to celebrate milestones and number 100 is very significant. It is a great personal achievement for Sam and his family," Hasler said.
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