Cody Walker, approaching his 37th birthday in January, aims to continue his rugby league career next season. If he plays, he will become the NRL's oldest active player after Daly Cherry-Evans exits.
Having already set the record as the oldest player in South Sydney's 118-year history, Walker's performance this season has been impressive. He has guided the Rabbitohs to sixth place, maintaining his health throughout the regular season.
Walker has amassed 26 tries, and Andrew Johns recently praised his deceptive playing style, likening him to legendary player Cliffy Lyons.
His age may be misleading; Walker debuted in the NRL later than most, at 26 years old. He believes this gradual progression has positively impacted his career longevity.
"I came into the first-grade system quite late," Walker stated. "I think that's worked in my favour throughout my career and my journey." He remains optimistic about contract talks, mentioning, "I'm sure the club and my management will go down that path when they think the time's right."
While he has not dismissed the idea of playing for another club if Souths does not extend an offer, his focus remains firmly on the current season and the Rabbitohs' finals campaign against Newcastle.
Souths CEO Blake Solly expressed confidence that extending Walker's contract would be a simple decision. Walker emphasized, "I want to go around again and I'd love to sort that out," although he is currently prioritizing team performance over contract discussions.
His determination to prepare for the upcoming season underscores his commitment to the Rabbitohs as they head into the finals, focusing on achieving their goals while leaving contract discussions for later.