NRL 2024 Round 1 early mail: Injured Rabbitohs star Cody Walker ’big chance’ of Las Vegas start

After being ruled out of the All Stars clash with a calf strain, Cody Walker and coach Jason Demetriou have delivered a positive update ahead of the club’s round 1 clash in Las Vegas.

Cody Walker has been ruled out of the Indigenous All-Stars team and is racing the clock for Round One after straining his calf at training. Picture: Getty Images

Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou says injured five-eighth Cody Walker is a “big chance” to play in the historic season-opener in Las Vegas despite being ruled out of the All Stars clash with a calf strain.

Walker, 34, has been virtually injury free since he made his debut, with the playmaker featuring in at least 20 games every season since 2016.

But the man who sets up tries for fun on South Sydney’s left edge is racing the clock to be fit for the game against Manly on March 3 after he hurt his calf and immediately ruled himself out of Friday’s game in Townsville.

Even a low-grade strain would likely rule him out of the Vegas voyage, but his coach is optimistic that Walker will be fit to play.

“He just had a minor calf issue yesterday so he’ll get a scan tonight (Sunday) and we’ll know more tomorrow morning,” Demetriou said.

“He’s optimistic. I spoke to him today and he said it’s feeling a lot better than he thought it might.

Cody Walker has been ruled out of the Indigenous All-Stars team and is racing the clock for Round One after straining his calf at training. Picture: Getty Images

“Fingers crossed the scan results come good and we can get him ready for round one.

“He’s still a big chance (for Vegas).

“He never felt anything but just pulled up tight. We didn’t risk it which was good.”

Earlier this week star centre Campbell Graham also underwent surgery for a persistent sternum injury which is expected to sideline him for six months.

Demetriou said the surgical fix will prolong his career.

“It wasn’t overly disappointing because he needs to have it done,” Demetriou said.

“It’s disappointing because we know he’s not going to be there at the start of the season but we’re feeling good because we know when he has it fixed we’re going to get the best version of him back and that’s what we need.

“We need him happy and being able to be the Campbell Graham that we know he can be. I’m looking forward to him getting back into his rehab and getting back to his best.

Campbell Graham (R) is set to miss a large portion of the 2024 season. Picture: David Becker/Getty Images

“It’s been a long time and a tough battle for him, there was hope that it would heal but it hasn’t.

“It has to some extent, and he’s training and feeling a lot better than it was, but you can’t guarantee that it’s going to fix itself and it’s a long year in the NRL and he’s got a great career ahead of him.”

Dean Hawkins played in the two matches Walker missed last year and would be expected to again fill the void.

Graham won’t play until about round 20 after an ongoing sternum issue needs repairing. Isaiah Tass will hold one centre spot while Michael Chee-Kam could be the other option for South Sydney in their round one game against Manly on March 3.

Souths now prepare for the first official trial of the season, the Charity Shield against St George Illawarra on Saturday at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.