South Sydney Rabbitohs veteran playmaker Cody Walker has declared himself in peak physical condition for the upcoming NRL season, a stark contrast to the injury-plagued campaigns that left him feeling like a “burden” on his team. The revelation comes as the club confronts another early setback with hooker Brandon Smith ruled out for the opening rounds due to a moderate calf injury.
Walker, 36, identified young gun Peter Mamouzelos as the “obvious” candidate to fill the void left by Smith’s absence, with Bronson Garlick also in consideration. Coach Wayne Bennett faces a critical selection decision ahead of the season kickoff.
The five-eighth’s personal resurgence follows two frustrating years dominated by calf and knee issues that severely limited his contributions. Last season saw Walker participate in just 11 matches while recording a career-low nine try assists, fueling his sense of having disappointed the squad.
Now benefiting from his first uninterrupted preseason in years, Walker demonstrated his renewed vigor during Sunday’s trial victory over Manly, where he scored a try and showcased dynamic interplay with South Sydney’s formidable left-edge weapons—David Fifita, Latrell Mitchell, and Alex Johnston.
Reflecting on his physical and mental transformation, Walker emphasized the psychological toll of persistent injuries. “When you’re in that moment when you’re in and out, you feel like you’re letting the team down and you start to feel like you’re a bit of a burden,” he confessed. The veteran star expressed renewed optimism after finally banking sufficient training loads to prepare his body for the demanding season ahead.