Having only ever known one club at NRL level, Cody Walker will don the cardinal and myrtle for the 200th time this Saturday night in what will be a very special occasion for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Walker debuted at 26 years-of-age for the red and green in round one of season 2016 against the Sydney Roosters. He filled in at five-eighth for the suspended Luke Keary and was influential in the Rabbitohs’ 42-10 win over their archrivals. This was clearly a sign of things to come for Cody, who would go on to make that South Sydney number six jersey his own over the next eight seasons.
In this time, he would also play five games for New South Wales, captain the Indigenous All Stars, win the George Piggins Medal for South Sydney’s player of the year twice, and be recognised as one of the game’s top players by winning the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year Award in 2021.
To further add to the occasion, Walker has been named captain for his milestone match in the absence of regular skipper Cameron Murray due to injury.
As they celebrate the great achievements of one of their favourite sons, the Rabbitohs will be extra motivated to ‘do it for Cody’ as they aim for a victory over their opponents the St George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday night at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The Rabbitohs boast a great record over the Dragons, having won eight of their last ten clashes over the joint venture club. In their most recent encounter it was the Rabbitohs who came out on top. 26-14 was the final score in the absolute steaming heat and humidity that comes with playing at Barlow Park in Cairns.
Alex Johnston scored a double in typical AJ fashion. Campbell Graham and milestone man Walker also crossed the stripe, while Latrell Mitchell kicked five goals from five attempts.
Speaking of Latrell Mitchell, the Rabbitohs will be handed a timely boost in this match as their star fullback returns from a three-match suspension. He will take the place of his own replacement Jye Gray, who misses out due to an ankle injury sustained in last week’s clash with the Penrith Panthers.
Having not played since the Warriors match in round five, Latrell will look to bring plenty of punch to the table and assist his side in getting out from their own end, whilst also adding a touch of class to their attack when in enemy territory.
The Rabbitohs have been forced into numerous other changes for this one, with interim coach Ben Hornby naming a vastly different side to that which played Penrith last Thursday night. Dion Teaupa will make his first-grade debut at halfback, coming in to replace the injured Dean Hawkins.
Having caught a glimpse already of the young star off the bench for Tonga in their Test series against England at the end of last year, it will certainly be exciting for South Sydney Members and fans to see how Teaupa takes to NRL football.
Forward Matt French will also get his first taste of NRL this Saturday off the bench, while new recruit Gehamat Shibasaki will play his first game for the Rabbitohs after 29 previous outings for the Cowboys, Knights and Broncos since debuting in 2018.
With Tallis Duncan also named to return to the NRL off the bench, this South Sydney side certainly has a new, fresh feel to it ahead of the Dragons clash this Saturday night.
Stat Attack
- Cody Walker will become just the ninth player in history to play over 200 games for South Sydney.
- South Sydney possesses a stellar record against the Dragons of late, having won eight of their last ten clashes.
- This match will feature three debutants – two NRL and one club – with Dion Teaupa and Matthew French playing their first ever NRL games, with Gehamat Shibasaki playing his first ever match for Souths.
