Cody Walker in brutal Las Vegas setback as Rabbitohs dealt further NRL blow
The Blues five-eighth was expected to take part in the All Stars clash.
Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker could be set for time on the sidelines after it was confirmed he would miss the All Star's game due to injury only days after teammate Campbell Graham was ruled out for six months. Walker was set to take part in the All Stars game on 16 February, before a flight to Las Vegas for the NRL's inaugural opener.
However, the Rabbitohs have been hit with massive news after Indigenous coach Ronnie Griffith confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald the 34-year-old has suffered a calf strain in the lead-up to the clash. Walker was tipped to captain the Indigenous team during the clash.
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“I spoke to him before I boarded a flight from Brisbane; he told me he did his calf and was out,” Griffiths told the publication. “It’s a massive blow for us and a massive blow for Cody because he’s a player who makes himself available every year. He loves the game and that passion and leadership exudes out of him when he plays.”
This could see him miss anywhere from one to six weeks depending on how bad the strain sets him back. This would put him in doubt for the Rabbitohs' opening clash against Manly on 3 March. The moves comes as a further blow to the Rabbitohs who could be missing a number of starters in their season opener.
Can’t see him going to Vegas as a precautionary
— Steven Ristevski (@steven_risto) February 10, 2024
Campbell Graham ruled out for six months
The Rabbitohs had already been delivered tough news this week with Graham left facing six months on the sidelines having failed to recover from a long-term sternum injury. The centre was returning after a rollercoaster season having been hampered with a sternum injury towards the end of the Rabbitohs campaign.
Graham was expected to be fit for the season opener having trained through pre-season. However, after undergoing issues, the club announced on Thursday Graham would have surgery and could miss up to six months. The club said in a statement they expect Graham to be available for the end of the regular season.
Graham had already undergone a shoulder procedure in the off-season, but the centre hadn't taken part in contact training ahead of round one. Now Graham will face a lengthy period on the sidelines as he looks to play finals footy.
New recruit Jack Wighton will also miss the first round having picked up a suspension in his final game for the Raiders last year. Wighton could have slotted into five-eighth for Walker if he was available to play in Las Vegas.
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