Cody Walker is poised to extend his tenure with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for an additional season, despite a challenging year beset by injuries. The 35-year-old playmaker will reportedly receive a new one-year contract, allowing him to team up with fellow try-scorer Alex Johnston for the 2026 season. This decision comes as both players were off-contract, but the club believes they still have significant contributions to make, particularly given the lack of depth in the Rabbitohs’ backline.
Johnston, at 30, has recently returned to form and is chasing the record previously held by Ken Irvine, which further solidifies his value to the team. His mentoring role for young wingers like Tyrone Munro and Haizyn Mellars is seen as beneficial for Souths.
Conversely, Walker’s injury struggles — including calf and groin issues — raise questions about his longevity in the sport. Nevertheless, despite decreased playing time, he remains the Rabbitohs’ best playmaker and has an established rapport with key players, such as superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell. However, the situation complicates the future of young English import Lewis Dodd, who has barely made an impact since joining the club on a lucrative three-year deal.
Dodd has only started once in the halves as the coaching staff, led by Wayne Bennett, has explored numerous options due to injuries to other players. His lack of game time casts doubt on his future with the club, as it appears that Bennett has limited faith in him. As the team navigates injuries, Dodd will likely see increased opportunities, but his long-term standing could be precarious, particularly with the potential for reluctance from other clubs to take on his hefty salary.
The Rabbitohs face several roster challenges as they move into a pivotal two-year period. Key players like hooker Peter Mamouzelos are vying for positions against new signings, while Jack Wighton’s substantial contract brings scrutiny, given that the team has struggled to perform since his arrival. Wighton, making $850,000 annually, has not translated his on-field talent to team success, leading to discussions about the financial implications of his contract.
Looking to the future, Souths have several strong players locked in for another two years, including injured captain Cameron Murray, who plays a crucial role in the team. While Bennett has a history of turning teams around, the Rabbitohs’ management and contract decisions present significant challenges as they seek to regain their status as premiership contenders before Bennett’s contract expires in 2027.