Luckless Cody Walker couldn’t catch a break as young gun, says former schoolmate Ryan James

Gold Coast captain Ryan James explains how Cody Walker was “the exact same player” back in his schooldays: “I was always just scratching my head thinking, ‘when is he going to get a go’.”

Even as a schoolboy, Cody Walker was always a freak. But for some strange reason, it was like his God-given talent was invisible to those in charge of deciding who was going to make it big, and who wasn’t.

Wayne Bennett today recognises the 29-year-old NSW Origin rookie five-eighth as being as naturally talented as any player Bennett has ever coached.

But while Walker was described by now Gold Coast captain Ryan James as “the exact same player” back in his schooldays, James added: “I was always just scratching my head thinking, ‘when is he going to get a go’.

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Cody Walker was a star with Palm Beach Currumbin.

“We went to school together at Palm Beach Currumbin and we won the national competition in 2008.”

Ironically, Palm Beach beat Matraville Sports High that boasted Walker’s now South Sydney teammate Adam Reynolds on the bench in that Arrive Alive Cup final.

But while James and Walker’s school halves partner Jordan Rankin went on to win Australian Schoolboys selection alongside the likes of Will Hopoate, Jamal Idris, Martin Taupau and Aaron Woods, Walker was overlooked.

“I don’t know why,” James said.

Schoolboy teammate Ryan James can’t understand why Walker was always overlooked.

But it set Walker on a path where for years it looked as though he was never going to crack the big time.

He had stints at Gold Coast, Penrith and Melbourne, while also winning the Queensland Cup player of the year along the way.

But it wasn’t until 2016, seven years after he’d finished school, that Walker finally ran out for his NRL debut for South Sydney in round one, 2016.

Walker’s break arrived when Luke Keary was suspended for the season opener, before an injury to Reynolds gave the then 26-year-old enough time to show everyone that he really belonged.

Walker has finally got the recognition his talent deserves. Picture: Phil Hillyard

James has remained good mates with Walker throughout the journey, and still looks back and wonders why it took so long.

“I honestly don’t know why,” James said.

“He has been that talented a player since he was at school. He was the exact same player he is now.

“I was just thinking, ‘someone give this kid a crack’. And when he got that crack he just never took a backward step.

“He is the player who Souths rely on now, one of the best halves in the comp.

“I honestly couldn’t be more proud of him.

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“He grew up playing in the Northern Rivers comp with my older brother, Tim, and we have known each other for ages now.

“My mum actually rang to let me know that Cody had made the NSW team. Our whole family is proud of him.

“People say he is a lucky footballer but he creates his own luck.

“I don’t know if it is instinct or not, but he is just always chasing the ball. You see someone like (Johnathan) Thurston, who the balls just seems to bounce his way, but it is not through lack of effort. It is through always making sure they are in the position to get it.

“I was excited when I saw Cody debut in the NRL so late in his career. But now to play Origin is something pretty special for someone who has done it so tough.

“He deserves to be there.”