Rabbitohs star Cody Walker demands pay rise or he’ll walk

SOUTH Sydney has 48 hours to meet a star’s pay rise demand or will watch him walk out the door in another player market farce.

Out the door.

SOUTH Sydney has less than 48 hours to give star Cody Walker a pay rise or he’ll demand this week to be released from his contract.

It follows reports Walker remains on peanuts compared to rival playmakers in the NRL after knocking back a $600,000 per-year offer to join Wayne Bennett at the Brisbane Broncos recently.

Walker, who has been among his team’s best players in the past 12 months, is demanding a pay rise to reflect his importance to the club.

The Daily Telegraph reports Walker is among the most underpaid players in the game, currently on a salary of just $200,000.

The report claims Walker’s selection to play in the final City-Country clash activated a performance bonus in his contract which will push his salary to $260,000 this season — but that is nowhere near what the mark he believes he is worth right now.

It follows a report on Channel 7 on Tuesday night which claimed Walker will seek an immediate release from his contract with the Rabbitohs, which runs through until the end of the 2018 season, unless the club is prepared to grant him a pay rise now.

Seven reports Souths will not entertain any thought of releasing the 27-year-old and have this week met with his management to discuss his grievance at his comparatively low salary.

Bargain buy.

Walker, who has played fullback and in the halves for the club this season, has also had to watch on as the Bunnies signed Newcastle star Dane Gagai to a long-term deal, reportedly 3-4 years, worth around $700,000 per season.

With the market prices of fullbacks and playmakers soaring recently, most No. 1’s in the game are currently commanding salaries of more than $700,000.

Walker has been named to play at fullback for South Sydney again this week, where he has impressed with his ability to step into Greg Inglis’ shoes.

His form at fullback has seen coach Michael Maguire favour him ahead of winger Alex Johnston, Inglis’ previous understudy for the No. 1 jumper at Redfern.

The club has until Thursday night to meet his pay-rise deadline.

Walker also has a clause in his current contract in his favour which would allow him to remain at the club until the end of the 2019 season if he chooses.

WOODS SAYS MOSES HAS PUT MORE PRESSURE ON HIMSELF

Target on his back.

OUTGOING Wests Tigers captain Aaron Woods says former teammate Mitchell Moses has a point to prove when he lines up in blue and gold this weekend.

Having already signed with Parramatta for 2018, Moses made several pleas to Tigers coach Ivan Cleary to be granted permission to immediately head to the Eels.

After several weeks the saga came to an end on Tuesday when the club finally accepted the 22-year-old’s request.

“I think he will go really well there (Parramatta) this week especially because everyone has been giving him a few words in the media so he will want to shut everyone down,” Woods told the Big Sports Breakfast on Wednesday.

Woods, who is Canterbury-bound at the end of the year, said he was pleased weeks of turmoil had finally cleared up.

“He played with a few tough calls — some people wouldn’t agree with him some people would agree with him but it is what he wants to do,” he said.

“We all have to move on.”

Moses, who attracted criticism for his attitude in last week’s 28-8 loss to South Sydney after missing eight tackles, is set to play for the Eels against Canberra on Saturday at ANZ Stadium.

Wood revealed the joint-venture club has eyes on up-and-coming New Zealand talent Tuimoala Lolohea saying he would be a perfect buy following the loss of Moses and James Tedesco to the Sydney Roosters at the end of the year.

“I think they are going after him (Lolohea) hard especially after losing Mitchell now,” Woods said.

“With the Tigers losing Teddy at the end of the year it will be a great position for him and it will be a great opportunity.”

While rumours have been growing, Warriors boss Stephen Kearney previously said the 22-year-old is yet to be offered a release adding a departure would be “premature”.

— AAP