How Cody Walker went from Origin outcast to earn shot at Blues redemption

Brad Fittler had to sack Cody Walker from State of Origin 16 months ago. Now the Blues coach reveals the converstation the pair had when they were reunited in the 2020 camp.

NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler and Cody Walker.

Cody Walker’s journey from Origin outcast to Blues X-factor began with the toughest of phone calls 16 months ago.
“The worst kind a coach can make. Really, they‘re the worst,’’ NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said.
For any coach, there’s no easy way to tell a player they’ve been dropped from their state.
You’re out. Replaced. We’re going in another direction.

Catch Fox League’s news, views and analysis on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Coach Brad Fittler (L) dropped Walker in 2019, but refused to write him off for 2020. Picture: Jonathan Ng

In his NSW debut, Walker played 56-minutes before he was hooked in game one of the 2019 State of Origin series.
The Blues lost 18-14 to Queensland and Walker was overlooked for the final two matches with James Maloney chosen to steer NSW to a second-consecutive series win.
For 16 months, Walker has waited for another chance.

Just one more minute in the sky-blue.
Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval, the 30-year-old from Nowra, on the NSW south coast, is a Blue again.

In the City of Churches, is a rugby league redemption story.

From the interchange bench, Walker will be called into the action when Fittler spots fatigue in the Queenslanders legs.

Cody Walker gets his chance for Origin redemption on Wednesday night. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Beaten by Luke Keary for the NSW no. 6 jumper, Walker doesn’t have a position – which is arguably more frightening for the Maroons.
With the skill to slip, duck, kick, step and weave his 90kg frame past the defensive line – following the best season of his NRL career – we can be certain the Maroons will be screaming “Walker’s On.”
A crestfallen Walker took his axing from the Blues last June hard – but not hard enough for Fittler to forget him.
And right here, is an insight into Fittler’s character too.

Unlike other coaches, who have all too easily dumped a player and then marked their card “never to play Origin again”, the Blues coach has shown faith in Walker to respond.

Cody Walker took his axing from the Blues hard. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It was indeed the attacking South Sydney five-eighth‘s reaction that encouraged Fittler to make a very different phone call a fortnight ago.
“We spoke about it (being dropped) in this camp actually,” Fittler said.

“He (Walker) talked about how it was hard and how he had to get back to the form that got him there in the first place.
“He spoke about the disappointment and that takes time.
“We were open and we had conversations.
“By the back end of both years, he was just about the best player in the competition again – he‘s not one to go away and sulk.
“He goes away and works out why I need to get better and does it.”
In an indication of what Wednesday night means to Walker, he has postponed his own wedding which was due to be held this month.
It again shows the mindset of a player who after suffering his greatest setback, believes he belongs back in blue.

Smiling at the possibility of causing chaos to the Queensland defence on Wednesday, Walker also nods knowingly when asked if his preparedness for the State of Origin furnace is layered with a hardened exterior.

MORE ORIGIN NEWS

Injury crisis rocks Maroons on Origin eve

Cook reveal Bennett’s secret recipe to success

“Once you‘ve witnessed or felt that Origin feeling, you know what to expect now,’’ he said.
“I think I’ll be a little bit more comfortable in the environment.
“Running out (last time) in Brisbane, 50,000 people there, this will be different and me knowing what to expect I’ll feel a lot better.
“I‘ve played fullback and centre before and being a five-eighth you understand what your centre and back rowers need.
“So when I come on, I’ll get out there and have a crack.
“I’m not going to wait or the game to come to me, I’ve waited too long for that.’’

Originally published as How Cody Walker went from Origin outcast to earn shot at Blues redemption