Nowra-born Cody Walker extends Rabbitohs deal until end of 2023

Walker, 31, was named the club's George Piggins Medallist as the player of the year for the last two consecutive seasons, as well as being named the 2021 Dally M Five-eighth of the year and finishing third in the Dally M count that same year.

The playmaker has played 142 NRL matches for South Sydney since making his debut against Roosters in round one, 2016, which included the 2021 NRL grand final against the Panthers.

He captained the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2021, as well as having played State of Origin for New South Wales on four occasions - while was also being a finalist for the Ken Stephen Medal for services to the community in 2021.

"I really happy to be extending my stay at South Sydney for another season - this is my home," Walker said.

"I'm really excited about what is ahead for the team under JD (Jason Demetriou) and we have some young stars coming through who are going be great players for this club.

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"I feel I have a role in helping lead this team over the next few years, making sure these young boys have every opportunity to put their best foot forward as they start out their NRL careers.

"We have a great culture within the team and the club, and it's also a club that respects our cultures outside of football.

"The work that we get to do within the community through Souths Cares and other initiatives like the Rising Warriors Program through Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, the club knows how important that is for me and supports me and the other boys in what we want to do to help the community.

"That's so important for us and it only binds us closer together.

"South Sydney is my home and my family.

My partner plays for the Club too and my boys want to play for the Rabbitohs one day - it really is home.

"We came so close to achieving our goal this year and it has made us all hungrier to get that premiership success and win number 22 for the Rabbitohs.

"I can't wait to rip in with the boys and get season 2022 going.

It's going to be another great year and we'll get to play in front of our members and fans in Sydney more this coming season as well - it's going to be very special."

Regarded as one of the most lethal attacking weapons in the game, Walker's re-signing was a priority for the club according to Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison.

"Cody keeps progressing his game and maturing as a footballer each season and he is certainly in his prime right now," Ellison said.

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"He is a proud Indigenous man that is a leader for his people, as is evidenced by his selection as captain of the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and this year, as well as for his teammates.

"He is widely respected in the community and demands respect on the football field with the way he can change the game at the drop of a hat.

"His work with Souths Cares and independently in the community is something he should be very proud of and his impact on the field is equalled by his impact off it.

"He didn't make his debut until he was 26 which means his body hasn't experienced the punishment that some other players do when they debut at a younger age, and we're seeing the benefits of his approach to his football and his training when he takes the field now.

"We're very excited to be extending Cody's contract for a further season and we're looking forward to seeing him lead our team into the future."

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