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Live sport on SN this weekendSouths veteran makes big call on NRL future
Scott Bailey, AAP •  September 6th, 2026 2:42 pm
South Sydney star Cody Walker shows little sign of slowing down at age 36 | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
Cody Walker has declared he wants to play on next year, with the veteran South Sydney five-eighth believing his body is ready for the rigours of another season.
Walker will officially take over the mantle of the NRL's oldest player from the departing Daly Cherry-Evans if he plays on next year, with the No. 6 to turn 37 in January.
Already the oldest player in his club's 118-year history, Walker is showing no signs of slowing down after getting through the regular season injury-free and guiding the Rabbitohs to sixth spot and a finals return.
Andrew Johns last week compared Walker to the great Cliffy Lyons for his art of deception, which has helped him to lay on 26 tries this season.
Staying injury free in 2026 has been a big plus for Cody Walker - and his team | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Walker's age can also be deceptive.
He didn't debut in the NRL until he was 26, and Walker believes his body has benefited from his slower transition from reserve grade.
"I'm happy to play on again, I'd love to play on again," Walker said.
"I came into the first-grade system quite late. I'd already been around the traps a little bit through the reserve grade system.
"A lot of these young kids come in at 18 and they have shoulder injuries and things, which is quite hard to come back from when you're quite young.
"I think that's worked in my favour throughout my career and my journey, so we'll see what happens.
"I'm sure the club and my management will go down that (contract talks) path when they think the time's right and we'll sort something out."
Cody Walker has continued to thrive under veteran South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
When asked previously, Walker hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing elsewhere next year if a contract from Souths is not forthcoming.
But ahead of the Rabbitohs' return to the finals against Newcastle, it's hard to see the Indigenous All Star fininshing his career with anyone but the Rabbitohs.
Souths CEO Blake Solly also indicated last week that the five-eighth was welcome to stay, believing it would be "an easy decision" for club and player.
"Over the last couple of years when I've come off contract, I've always left it to the back end of the year without rushing into any decision," Walker said.
"I want to go around again and I'd love to sort that out, but it's probably the furthest thing from my mind at the moment.
Captain Cameron Murray and his Rabbitohs are heading into the finals with a head of steam | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"I had a massive focus on doing everything I possibly could leading into the preseason to get my body right to handle a full season of NRL, and help get our club get into the finals.
"That's always been my focus, and we've achieved that. But it means absolutely nothing without putting all of our focus in and having a good run.
"Everyone is tunnel-visioned into that and doing everything we possibly can. All of that contract stuff for next year will sort itself out in the background."
