The South Sydney Rabbitohs have locked Cody Walker away for another season, extending the Dally M Five Eighth of the Year's stay until the end of 2023.
Walker was one of the biggest names on the open market, after players off-contract at the end of 2022 became open to offers from rival clubs from Monday.
But the Rabbitohs have moved quickly to secure their star No. 6 with a one-year extension.
It follows a career-best year for Walker, who was named in the Dally M Team of the Year and came agonisingly close to leading his side to the 2021 premiership.
“I really happy to be extending my stay at South Sydney for another season. This is my home,” Walker said.
“We came so close to achieving our goal this year and it has made us all hungrier to get that premiership success and win number 22 for the Rabbitohs.
“It’s going to be very special.”
The re-signing of Walker comes at a crucial time as the club undergoes a minor transition in the wake of this year's grand final disappointment against Penrith.
Walker is expected to carry Broncos-bound Adam Reynolds' mantle as the Bunnies' primary playmaker next season under new coach Jason Demetriou, who replaces Wayne Bennett in 2022.
The 30-year-old, who was also awarded South Sydney's Player of the Year this season, says he's excited to lead the Rabbitohs' next generation into the future.
“I’m really excited about what is ahead for the team under ‘JD’ (Jason Demetriou) and we have some young stars coming through who are going be great players for this Club," Walker added.
“I feel I have a role in helping lead this team over the next few years and I making sure these young boys have every opportunity to put their best foot forward as they start out their NRL careers.
“We have a great culture within the team and the Club, and it’s also a Club that respects our cultures outside of football.
“The work that we get to do within the community through Souths Cares and other initiatives like the Rising Warriors Program through Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, the Club knows how important that is for me and supports me and the other boys in what we want to do to help the community. That’s so important for us and it only binds us closer together.
“South Sydney is my home and my family. My partner plays for the Club too and my boys want to play for the Rabbitohs one day. It really is home."
More to come
