What’s the Buzz: Cody Walker puts contract talks on hold as Rabbitohs chase title

A tearaway leader in try assists in the NRL, South Sydney’s star five-eighth is off contract at the end of next season.

Cody Walker celebrates scoring a try for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Cody Walker has put off contract talks with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, telling his manager and club officials: “Let’s win a premiership first.”

While so many other NRL stars are unsettled and dominating back pages around their futures, Walker is determined that nothing will disturb or get in the way of his campaign to win the comp.

The five-eighth is off contract at the end of next season but has told his adviser Matt Rose and agent Warwick Wright not to open any negotiations until October.

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“We really appreciate Cody’s focus on winning the premiership this year,” Souths CEO Blake Solly said. “That’s shared by everyone at the club through Wayne and everyone in the playing group.

“He and Latrell are crucial to us winning it and they’ve made a commitment to each other and the squad that they want to do it this year.”

Cody Walker has put contract talks on hold until the end of the season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Walker’s previous contract negotiations at Souths created blazing headlines and a bitter falling out with Souths’ former general manager Shane Richardson, playing out intensely in media for months.

“No one wants to rush it,” Solly said.

“Because he started a bit later he hasn’t been as bashed around as other players. (Walker, 31, has played only six seasons and 133 games.)

“He’s still really fit and trains really hard. We see Cody at the club long term, well beyond his playing days.”

Walker has had another sensational season for the Rabbitohs. He is a tearaway leader of try assists in the competition with 23 – seven clear of Jahrome Hughes, Sam Walker, Tom Trbojevic and Clint Gutherson.

But it is his off-field influence that has been equally as impressive.

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So impressive that Souths have nominated Walker for the prestigious Ken Stephens Medal in recognition of his work in the community around indigenous issues, mental health and care for the under privileged.

“His unwavering commitment to championing social justice issues makes him a role model for other aspiring campaigners and social justice advocates to follow,” Solly said.

This is such a turnaround in 18 months from the ugly street brawl in Casino when footage emerged of Walker flying in and karate-kicking another shirtless man.