Cody Walker’s indiscretion that surfaced this week must have been the cherry on top of the cake for the Rabbitohs during this season hiatus due to the coronavirus.
Between Latrell Mitchell not social distancing on a camping trip and James Roberts in rehab, coach Wayne Bennett must have needed Cody Walker’s indiscretion to surface like a slap to his face.
This must have been one of the worst off-season (or season hiatus) in Wayne Bennett’s professional coaching career.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
It remains to be seen if South Sydney can pull the rabbit out of the hat and make a true run for the rest of the season.
Next week’s opening game after the season hiatus would be a huge ask for any team that is currently splintered as this South Sydney team is.
Coming up against the Sydney Roosters is not only a local derby, but a test for Souths if their season is even retrievable or too far gone.
The players Souths have on paper look great, however after the hiatus, it remains to be seen if they can be cohesive enough to win the competition.
Cody Walker being sat out for two games won’t help matters at all.
What is also baffling is why Souths have not chosen to take disciplinary action against Walker.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I’ve got Souths to just make it into the top eight this year. A young team, small pack, new captain and off field issues might just be too much to make them a serious contender this year.
Caleb Spicer
Roar Rookie
Hi Nat, thanks for the comment, both Cody Walker and Wayne Bennett were co-conspirators in this case, as for the retrospective comment, the victim in this is the guy Walker kicked to conceal it is fraud to both the South Sydney Club and the integrity commission.
Caleb Spicer
Roar Rookie
Hi Paul, thanks for your kind thoughts. As for Souths not fining Cody Walker is bizarre in itself. Souths not fining Walker does not send a message to the playing group of discipline without discipline the team cannot be cohesive. A fine hurts the hip pocket if that is the only way to pull players and the team into line that's what must happen. I am sure there would be a clause in Walkers contract to that affect where Souths can fine Walker for indiscretions why Souths didn't exercise this clause is baffling, other clubs have fined played why not Souths.
Caleb Spicer
Roar Rookie
Hi Paul, thanks for your kind comments as for double dipping the chip (or double jeopardy) Souths needed to send a message to their own players away from the frame work of the NRL integrity commission, a clause would be in is contract to that affect, why Souths didn't exercise any punishment is bizarre and not sending a message doesn't create a disciplined culture, just a culture of disorganisation and smoke and mirrors and concealment.
Joe
Roar Rookie
They better bounce back big because a winless Roosters team is going to be absolutely desperate for a win! Looking forward to seeing how Latrell goes against his former team.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Wayne thrives on a siege mentality (us v them) which in itself provides motivation. That said, both sides will be desperate to win & form will be an unknown for all teams after the lengthy break. It may be a tipsters nightmare.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Still, Wayne knew what he was doing in buying a big bowl of belligerence in Latrell and Jet, which thus far has blown up in his face. Not to mention not taking a far bigger bullet from the media for dishonest concealment with intent to deceive and profit (2 points) on the Cody issue. More pressing and potentially more damaging how do you stop Keary and Teddy, Cordner and Chricton, STT and JWH reigning down on Reynolds and Dargan..a belting from feudal foes will pain colder, deeper and longer than a $20k fine out of Russell’s petty change.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The ''off season'' at the Bunnies has the potential to have little or no effect on the Bunnies season. If that's the worst Bennett has had he's had a hell of a run. Out of the three players mentioned it's only Walker who is out for a brief period and Mitchell has had time to get fit and is apparently running around like a poked bear. Hasler dreams of off seasons like Bennett has just had. His team is still full of SOO players.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Caleb, it's certainly been an interesting break from the game for Souths and you're right, they've had way too many distractions. That said, the Rabbitohs are still a quality side with plenty of guys more than capable of lifting to cover absences like Walker. I'd also be guessing someone has got in Mitchell's ear and suggested he really needs to show what he can do over the remaining competition rounds. I found your last sentence interesting. Why do you think Walker might have received additional punishment from Souths? He did the right thing after that incident and reported it. The NRL then decided he should sit out 2 games which to my mind, seems fair. Any further punishment would be double dipping, IMO. A good first piece, thanks for sharing your thoughts
Nat
Roar Guru
You're article answers your own questions. Last one first, Why didn't Souths take discliplinary action? He told coach and coach kept it under his hat. It's a bit harsh to hit Cody retrospectively when the club (Bennett) knew 4 months ago. How are they going to come through this? I have much respect for ol' coach but what he has now is far different to what he signed up too. When coach came across in 2019, he had Inglis, the Burgii et al... with a few years on their contract. One season later he has a very young team around a few key players. While ol' coach is very good at bringing the team in around him, there are a few media magnets/targets in the Sydney fishbowl that may prove beyond him.