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South Sydney star at centre of $20,000 blackmail drama

australian associated press
·2-min read
Cody Walker is pictured playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.
South Sydney star Cody Walker has approached the NRL Integrity Unit, after claiming to be the target of a $20,000 blackmail attempt. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker will meet with the NRL's integrity unit on Monday after he reported an incident to NSW Police, claiming he is being blackmailed.

A number of media outlets reported that the NRL star had informed police that he had been asked for $20,000 to stop video footage of him kicking a man in the chest from going public.

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The Rabbitohs have acknowledged an incident involving Walker from October 2019 in a statement and said the integrity unit has been advised about the issue.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of an incident involving player Cody Walker which took place in northern New South Wales in October 2019," the club statement read.

"The NRL's integrity unit have been informed.

"At no stage has Cody Walker been the subject of a police enquiry in relation to this incident.

The Rabbitohs said that the enquiry had been instigated by Walker himself.

The NRL has confirmed that integrity unit has been informed, according to reports.

Brad Fittler lashes out at 'ridiculous' NRL referees

Brad Fittler has slammed the referees’ union for taking the NRL to the Fair Work Commission for the decision to go back to one whistleblower.

The NRL remain in mediation with the Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) over the decision, with conciliation adjourned until Tuesday.

Both sides are confident the issue will be resolved before the competition restarts on May 28, with the NRL guaranteeing 22 full-time referees will be employed beyond this year.

having too much power in the game.

“It is ridiculous what the referees are trying to pull,” the NSW State of Origin coach told Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

“What's happened over the last 10 years, the refs have been put on this level of power. I could never understand why.

“The referees love the game, they get in there and do a great job but outside that, that's where it has to stop.

“For them to be protesting and going to hold the game up ... well get a whole heap of other referees.”