Cody Walker out of Eels clash as another injury leaves NSW in ruins
Michael Maguire’s debut series as NSW State of Origin coach could not have started any worse after yet another setback.
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NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire would be tearing what’s left of his hair out at the moment after his potential squad copped yet another blow before he announces his first State of Origin side.
The Blues have faced an incredible injury toll in the lead up to State of Origin game one on Wednesday June 5 with South Sydney’s Cody Walker joining the casualty ward.
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Despite sitting last on the NRL ladder with one win in 2024, South Sydney’s Walker has been discussed as a possible five-eighth for game one, while Jarome Luai and Matt Burton have also been touted as options.
Although he’s been struggling for form in 2024, Walker starred in his side’s 28-22 loss to the Cowboys at Magic Round with two line breaks, a try assist, a line break assist and a try of his own.
After a tough season, it was a sign that Walker might just be hitting form at the right time.
But with the Blues squad to be announced on Sunday night, Walker’s final chance to push his case for the No. 6 jersey has been ruined after suffering a low-grade calf strain in the Cowboys match.
Walker had been named to play halfback for the Rabbitohs in Saturday night’s match against the Eels but was ruled out on Thursday.
In a statement on the Rabbitohs’ website, the club said it was taking a conservative approach for the half.
“With the Rabbitohs having a bye next week, the club has resisted the temptation to play Cody this week which heightens the risk of further injury and time on the sidelines,” the statement read.
“He is expected to be fit for the round 14 game against the Titans and it’s expected he could play in the first State of Origin game for New South Wales if he is selected in the squad on Sunday night.”
Latrell Mitchell will take over the captaincy for the match on Saturday.
While it’s good news that Walker would be expected to be fit for State of Origin if selected, he’s far from a certainty given the Rabbitohs’ position on the ladder and he would have benefited from another run before the Blues side is named.
It’s been a brutal time for Maguire with the contenders and certainties for Origin such as Mitchell Moses, Bradman Best, Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray, Tom Trbojevic and Ryan Papenhuyzen all sidelined through injury.
Even expected halfback Nicho Hynes is battling a calf injury of his own that saw him sidelined for the Sharks’ clash against the Storm last week.
The Rabbitohs will have another new look halves combination with Jack Wighton named in the No. 6 jersey for the first time in Souths colours, with half Dion Teaupa set to start at halfback.
Originally published as Cody Walker out of Eels clash as another injury leaves NSW in ruins
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