‘Can’t believe it’: Joey rips Rabbitohs over lowball Walker offer
South Sydney‘s handling of Cody Walker’s future has come under fire, with Andrew Johns declaring he “cannot believe” the Rabbitohs have tabled a $300,000 extension for the veteran five-eighth.
Walker, one of the club’s most influential players, is without a contract and wants to play one final year at the burrow in 2027 to finish as a one-club player.
Cody Walker of the Rabbitohs. Getty Images
His 2026 deal was worth around $650,000 following a 12-month extension, but Souths’ initial offer for 2027 reportedly sits at $300,000. Walker will be 37 years old next season but is still one of the best playmakers in the game.
His management is seeking a figure closer to $400,000 – $450,000 with potential performance or coaching clauses.
Johns told Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth he believes the lowball offer signals they may be quietly pursuing another playmaker.
“I cannot believe it; I can’t believe they would offer him $300,000,” Johns said.
“Behind the scenes, there’s another player they’re looking at.”
The eighth Immortal warned that if Walker leaves, South Sydney does not have a suitable talent to replace him.
“If Cody doesn’t play next year … you’re talking about Bud Sullivan and Ashton Ward in the halves. Are they premiership halves? No,” Johns said.
“Or you have Jamie Humphries and Bud Sullivan. They’re all really good players, but you’re not winning a premiership with them.”
Walker played 24 games this season and missed only one week before his calf injury in Souths’ elimination final loss to Newcastle.
Despite debuting in his late 20s, he has produced 202 try assists in 247 games, including 26 this year. Johns rates him as one of the best ball players in the NRL currently.
And Johns argued Walker’s value extends far beyond his on-field output.
He is still one of the best playmakers in the game. NRL Imagery
“You’re not only buying a world-class half and ball player; you’re buying a coach,” he said.
“He’s coaching the team. You know your style straight away with Cody … you’d just give him the keys.”
He added that Walker’s game is not reliant on speed or endurance.
“He’s still got some zip, but it’s up here,” Johns said, gesturing to his head.
Danika Mason agreed, saying Walker could “teach a young half so much of the game”, adding further value to keep him at the club.
Speculation is growing around potential destinations if the Rabbitohs and Walker can’t reach a deal.
Johns dismissed PNG as an option, saying the incoming franchise has already secured their halves and don’t come into the competition until 2028, when Walker will be 38 years old.
But he pointed to Perth as a club that could build its entire identity around Walker. The Bears enter the NRL next season and Walker is available to sign right now.
“If Cody signs with Perth, you go, ‘Well, I know how they’re playing’,” Johns said.
Brad Fittler suggested the West Tigers could also be interested after losing Jarome Luai to Parramatta.
Fitler noted Wayne Bennett’s history of making ruthless roster calls.
“The coach has let some big players go … Wally Lewis, Alfie Langer, Gorden Tallis, Trevor Gillmeister, Petero Civoniceva,” Fitler said.
“He always puts the club first, so I’m assuming he’d be having a say in this.”
Johns believes it’s a mistake that Souths may regret. With the club’s halves depth unproven and Walker still producing elite numbers, the Rabbitohs must decide whether to back their pathways or to keep the veteran who continues to shape their attack and mentor their future.
