South Sydney Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker has been the main source of attack along with fullback Latrell Mitchell and Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds.
But Walker has been the rock for the Bunnies in season 2021 and is the best five-eighth in the competition right now and it’s not even close.
Now, I will say that Walker wouldn’t be as destructive as he is if it wasn’t for Reynolds giving him the time and space to produce his magic and the forward momentum that Damien Cook, Cameron Murray and the Souths’ forwards produce.
Cody Walker was suspended in Round 4 during the Rabbitohs’ 38-0 win over the Bulldogs and missed the following week’s game against the Broncos, but his 2021 season has been full of record-breaking moments.
The Rabbitohs have broken their record of most points scored in a year, which was previously held by the 2014 Rabbitohs side that went on to win the premiership.
Walker is also the first player in history of rugby league to record 50 line-break assists and is on track to break the record for most try assists in a season.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Walker currently sits on 34 try assists this season and the current record is 40 and there are still three regular-season games left for Walker to break that record.
The Rabbitohs are also the first team in NRL history to score 30 points in eight straight games and the Bunnies are on a ten-game winning streak for the first time since 1989 with Walker being in everything for South Sydney this season.
Walker has played 20 games this season and within those 20 games he has scored 12 tries, forced 11 goal-line drop outs, had 34 try assists and had a whopping 40 line-break assists.
But what’s really been impressive is that Walker has tallied up three try assists in six games this season and if you look at his statistics compared to the other five-eighths this season then Walker is the best five-eighth in the competition.
Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has tallied up 14 try assists and 17 line-break assists while Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has tallied up nine try assists and seven line-break assists but you combine both of their statistics together you get 23 try assists and 24 line-break assists.
Cody Walker has eight more try assists and 16 more line-break assists than Munster and Luai have combined but I will admit that both Munster and Luai have played three or more games less than Walker.
I still can’t believe that Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker were both overlooked for State of Origin Game 3.
But for Souths fans they would be happy because every time that Reynolds, Cook, Murray, Mitchell and Walker play, then you can guarantee that Souths will dominate teams that they’re expected to beat.
But they will need to back it up against the top sides in Melbourne and Penrith.
Gee Up
Guest
After seeing your name pop up regularly on any article Souths related, I’ve deduced you’re a massive fan. why else would you comment so regularly? Just be honest with yourself chief, you’ll be much happier..
Joey
Guest
It’s been the best timing, this article. Making the claim that it should have been Walker wearing the blue #6, not Luai. No doubt in camp up North, with nothing much to do, Luai will have stumbled across this, and will have lit his fire. If there was any chance at all, he wouldn’t be up for this one, this little gem has put that safely to bed.
Dan
Guest
Miffs me when people talk about him in Origin. They looked best when he came on in Game 1. Got to start Game 2 and won it for them. Got knocked out with the game in the balance in Game 3. Don't blame Freddy for going with Luai but Cody hardly had a shocker
mushi
Roar Guru
Munster went okay with Brodie Croft inside him!
Onya.
Guest
Doesn’t really matter if he’s the best 5/8th or not? Against a full strength Melbourne. South’s lose. Against a full strength Manly. South’s lose.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Not according to Fittler
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Ha ha. V. Good.
Joey
Guest
Watch and learn. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O47Zut9fLDA
Joey
Guest
Pretty sure his eyes were down @Dubbo.
Joey
Guest
Also forgot Cleary post-Origin. 1/1. That makes him 15/15. The only undefeated player in the competition including 13 club and 2 Origin.
Joey
Guest
Conveniently censored the part about their best team fronting up at Dubbo. Failed to even rate a mention. Still struggling to find a myrtle and cardinal fan to concede they were outplayed that day. Played in 4 straight Prelim Finals. That’s what Walker’s claim to greatness will be.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
forgot to add Burton to that list.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
v the Storm, Cody was playing full back, and 5 -6 regular players missing. Not a just comparison. So 1 bad game v Panthers in 22 rounds.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
There's probably a handful of players that are Currently going through a super purple patch and playing super footy, it's difficult to separate the best in any particular game, but they have been all consistently awesome to watch - in no particular order Turbo, Cody; Cleary pre-injury; To'o; Latrell and Jarome Hughes.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think at club level, Cody would be my pick. Munster has a better kicking game, particularly when opposition players are lying defenceless on the ground.
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
Great player , great to watch but not on the same planet as Munster
Nat
Roar Guru
That's also Ol coach and Benji as well. When it's alla bit flat Benji comes out to straighten them up and Cody comes alive.
MannyK
Guest
had a shocker when he had his chance in 2020........ luai had a blinder in his two runs in SOO. Can't blame Freddy for making the Luai call
Tetley
Guest
He is without a doubt the best 5/8. And souths know exactly how to unlock his skills. It will be interesting to see how he goes next year without Reyno. The way Reyno squares up and 'bites' into the defensive line is a trigger for unleashing Cody. Whoever plays halfback next year will need to do the same.
kk
Roar Pro
Cody delivers with a mature brand of toughness. A pleasure to witness.