Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
Cody Walker has labelled reports that he and Latrell Mitchell receive preferential treatment at South Sydney as “crap” as Damien Cook raised concerns that constant scrutiny of the club’s superstar fullback could drive him out of the game prematurely.
Walker fronted the media for the first time since the club became embroiled in a string of controversies including Rod Churchill’s remarks, Sam Burgess’ exit and rumours that Walker and Mitchell wield too much power over the Rabbitohs.
The NSW playmaker even checked with Demetriou and senior players Mitchell, Cameron Murray and Cook to ensure that wasn’t the perception.
“That’s laughable that the reports think that,” Walker said of the latter claim. “I don’t really know how to answer it. It is crap, to put it nicely. I don’t want to be a part of the club like that.
“I spoke to JD [Demetriou] and I asked the question whether that was the case. I said if it ever got to that point I would want you to tell me, because I would never want to be at a club like that. Then I spoke to the senior players in Cooky, Cammo and Latrell as well.
“I said, ‘If you ever feel like that is the case, I would like to know about it’, and I would never like to be at a club like that. I don’t think anyone would.”
Rabbitohs star Cody Walker at training on Tuesday.Credit: SMH
Asked for Demetriou’s response: “JD said no, no definitely not. As a leader of the footy team, I offer my opinion. At the end of the day, the buck stops with JD.
“Whatever JD says, goes. Same with the leadership group – Cameron is the captain. We offer our opinion for our thoughts around any situation but, when the decision is made, we all back that decision. I am certainly no different.”
Walker dead-batted questions about whether he or other Souths players would be prepared to accept the Clive Churchill Medal from Rodney Churchill.
“I didn’t even want to say anything about the other situation, let alone this new one,” Walker said.
‘I don’t really know how to answer it. It is crap, to put it nicely.’
“I am not here to focus on anything externally, I am here to win a game of football. It is one of the biggest games of the season. Everything is on the line to play finals footy. All of my energy is going into Friday night. I just can’t wait to get out there.”
Rabbitohs and NSW teammate Cook was more conciliatory when asked whether Souths players would be comfortable accepting the Clive Churchill Medal from Rodney should they win this year’s grand final.
“I think there has been talk about a possible apology, I’m sure there would be some stuff sorted out, possibly between Latrell and himself, maybe before then,” Cook said.
“I’d like to think by that stage – and I’m confident we can still get there and get the job done – that that could happen.
There are fears Latrell Mitchell could be hounded out of the game.Credit: SMH
“Obviously, it wasn’t the best comments, but what he said hasn’t tarnished his dad’s [standing] …
He’s a club great and a great of the game as well. There’s no harm there.”
However, Cook voiced concerns that constant criticism and scrutiny of Mitchell could lead to him walking away from the game prematurely.
“I do [fear that],” Cook said. “I would like to hope that it won’t happen, but when you go through moments like we have, you wouldn’t be surprised if – when he finishes his next contract – he goes, ‘Enough is enough, I’m 30 now, that will do me’.
“I hope not, I hope we don’t lose a superstar of our game, probably the most talked-about player in our game and the most recognised player in the NRL.
“I hope we don’t lose him any earlier because of issues like this.”
Murray, who said Mitchell remained in good spirits, expressed gratitude after signing a five-year contract extension. When asked about interest from rugby union – Wallabies coach Eddie Jones stated he was a target – the Souths skipper said: “I never talked to rugby and never really considered it, to be honest.
“I love this place and always have. To lock my future up for the next five years is something I could have only dreamed of.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article