Cody Walker on verge of signing new $2.25m contract with Souths
Cody Walker has a driving ambition to win a NRL premiership with South Sydney and at 29, a new deal could mean the Rabbitohs five-eighth remains at Redfern for life — if cashed-up rival clubs don’t swoop first.
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Cody Walker is closing in on a rich three-year contract extension at South Sydney worth a cool $2.55 million.
While the deal hasn’t been finalised, Walker has a driving ambition to win a premiership at Redfern.
At 29, a new deal could mean he remains a Rabbitoh for life.
However, The Daily Telegraph has been told two rival NRL clubs are showing considerable interest in Walker, one offering around $900,000 a year.
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Under contract with Souths for next season, Walker is a free agent from November 1.
Walker would be shifted into the prestigious captaincy role next season should Sam Burgess be forced into premature retirement with a chronic shoulder injury.
Souths and Walker’s manager Matt Rose are working toward a deal that would be worth around $850,000 a season.
While reluctant to discuss contract figures, Rose said his client had a strong desire to remain at Souths and discussions with the club would continue over the next week.
Should negotiations run smoothly, a deal could be secured before November 1 and Walker would be off the open market.
“We are working with Souths about Cody extending (his contract),’’ Rose said.
“It’s a club where Cody loves playing and loves playing under Wayne Bennett. He is comfortable at the club.
“You could say we are working together on a deal that both parties are comfortable with. He would like to finish his career at the club but we still have to work through some things.
“Cody is desperate to win a premiership but things can change. You know what things are like in this world.
“Souths are a great club with a big history and Cody wants to be part of that history.
“The beautiful thing about Cody is that he keeps improving each year. His first 10 rounds this year were scintillating. He was best player in the comp at stages this year.
“But there are some questions we are waiting to be answered. He also has to think about his family, so we will wait and see where we land.
“It would be ideal for everyone to get it done by November 1. These things can to take time. It has to align for everyone.”
South Sydney general manager of football, Shane Richardson, is overseas on holiday and unavailable for comment.
Whenever Burgess was injured or suspended this year, Walker stepped up to captain the Rabbitohs, while internal stats show Walker was a key contributor in seven South Sydney wins this year.
Rose hasn’t looked to take Walker to the English Super League.
After a week in Fiji with the Prime Minister’s XIII, Walker withdrew from the Australian Nines side due to personal reasons and several injuries.
Originally published as Cody Walker on verge of signing new $2.25m contract with Souths