South Sydney veteran Cody Walker has vowed that his time as a starting NRL playmaker is far from over, insisting he is ready to reclaim the No.6 jersey for the 2026 season – a role he has held with the Bunnies since 2016.
The 35-year-old five-eighth has endured a frustrating 2025 campaign, playing in just 10 games for the Rabbitohs after a season hampered by multiple injuries, including three calf strains, two hamstring issues, and a groin complaint.
The late bloomer has been a mainstay for the Rabbitohs since his 2016 NRL debut, consistently playing 20 or more games each season—except for this campaign.
"It's been a disappointing season for me personally," Walker stated.
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Since returning from his latest calf injury last month, Walker has been used off the bench—a role he has never previously occupied at NRL level—while young rookie Ashton Ward has started alongside Jamie Humphreys in the halves.
This unconventional decision to start a rookie over the experienced representative five-eighth is designed to help manage the veteran’s workload amid ongoing fitness concerns.
"(It) probably saves the legs a little bit, the early part of the game is probably the most intense and it's been working for me. We had to try something different," he said.
"I'm just happy to play my role."
Despite his limited game time, Walker has made a significant impact from the bench, contributing to Souths’ victories in both appearances, including a standout performance in the 40-0 thrashing of St George Illawarra in Round 25.
With his playing future secured through a one-year extension for 2026, Walker insists he is still capable of performing as a starting NRL five-eighth and says Bennett knows he is determined to reclaim the No.6 jersey next season.
"A competitive person like me, I want to be back in that six. It's just, where we sit at the moment, it's been working for us to come off the bench," he stated.
"But after a decent pre-season I think I'll be OK. I'm not sure whether we (Bennett and I) will have that chat. I'm sure he'll know where I stand with it."