Souths star wants No.6 jersey back in 2026
Jasper Bruce |
South Sydney veteran Cody Walker insists his time as an NRL starter is not over, adamant he wants to reclaim the No.6 jersey next season.
Veteran five-eighth Walker has managed only 10 games for the year at the 13th-placed Rabbitohs, scuppered by three calf injuries, two hamstring complaints and a groin issue.
Since his debut in 2016, the late bloomer has played at least 20 matches in every other campaign of his career.
“It’s been a disappointing season for me personally,” the 35-year-old said.
Walker has been deployed from the bench since recovering from his latest calf issue, something he’d never done before at NRL level.
Rookie playmaker Ashton Ward, 21, has started in the halves next to Jamie Humphreys in his place.
The move has taken pressure off Walker amid the injury issues and will continue against the Sydney Roosters in Souths’ last game of a dismal year.
“(It) probably saves the legs a little bit, the early part of the game is probably the most intense and it’s been working for me. We had to try something different,” he said.
“I’m just happy to play my role.”
Souths have won both games Walker has started from the bench, with the veteran particularly influential in a 40-0 drubbing of St George Illawarra in round 25.
Walker has agreed to a one-year extension for 2026, though coach Wayne Bennett admitted in July that the deal came with risk given his recent injury issues.
But Walker insists he can still compete as a starter in the NRL and says Bennett knows he is burning to get the No.6 jersey back in 2026.
“A competitive person like me, I want to be back in that six. It’s just, where we sit at the moment, it’s been working for us to come off the bench,” he said.
“But after a decent pre-season I think I’ll be OK. I’m not sure whether we (Bennett and I) will have that chat. I’m sure he’ll know where I stand with it.”
Ward has impressed Walker after being thrust into the NRL amid the Rabbitohs’ injury crisis.
The Dragons’ left edge went after the slightly built Ward in the Rabbitohs’ last game but the youngster made 31 tackles without a miss and put Jacob Host in for the opening try.
“While (the injury situation) has been disappointing, it’s presented an opportunity for some young guys,” Walker said.
“A lot of the young guys have taken it with both hands and done a fantastic job.”
AAP
