Mitchell deserves time off the paddock, not just for a shoulder to the head, but for past transgressions as well. However, it's not convincing that he deliberately attacked Manu's face.
2 linesmen and the ref didn't react: nor did players, with Rooster's Walker soccering the loose ball to continue the play, as his teammates supported him by bringing play from the right to centre field.
However, none of that means a dangerous and deliberate foul was not committed. Certainly, a shocking injury resulted from a high contact - but was it avoidable or not?
Look at the dramatic fall in the head height of Manu as he is dragged lower by Gagai, while he himself chooses to fall to allow a one handed, under arm off load as he realises that his progress is effectively over.
Judge the amount of fall by gauging Manu's head at the bottom of the Reflex sign:
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Note:
1. all of this happens in 1 second, as Mitchell is racing across field to shut down the play as anyone defender would, especially a full back;
2. The camera's location and height are unchanging and there is no zoom - only the players are moving.
Again, level Manu's head with oe of the crowd:
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Does that fall in head height represent the difference between the top of a chest and the cheekbone?
Mitchell deserves suspension - but did he set out to attack the head?