South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou hopes the appointment of Cody Walker as captain will assist ignite the struggling five-eighth’s season and spark a revival in his group’s premiership hopes.
After a 2021 marketing campaign the place Walker led the Rabbitohs’ cost in the direction of the grand ultimate with 37 attempt assists and 16 tries, the playmaker has struggled to copy that kind in 2022.
Souths, who’ve 4 wins from the opening 9 video games, face the Warriors at Magic Spherical on Saturday, understanding they want Walker to rise to the event.
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Fullback Latrell Mitchell stays sidelined with a hamstring downside and skipper Cameron Murray was dominated out of motion for the subsequent month after present process a cleanout on his shoulder.
“He’s a leader in our club and I’m sure he will embrace the responsibility,” Demetriou stated.
“Cody knows when he needs to control it and when he doesn’t.
“With being captain it makes it extra concerning the group, and it will get it (your kind) out of your personal head as nicely.”
If the captaincy doesn’t help Walker press reset on his 2022 season then the fact Souths trained at a rain-soaked Langlands Park in Brisbane on Friday might just do the trick.
It was there that Walker, playing for the Brisbane Tigers, was first spotted by NRL scouts before finally making his debut in the top grade for Souths at the relatively late age of 26.
Now 32, Walker will be joined on Souths’ left edge by Campbell Graham.
The rangy centre, who brings up his 100-game milestone on Saturday, has mainly played on the right in his NRL career.
But with a NSW Origin jersey up for grabs, the move could tempt Blues coach Brad Fittler into picking the 22-year-old.
“Jaxson (Paulo) is extra snug on the precise and it is one thing I have been occupied with the previous couple of weeks,” Demetriou stated.
“Campbell is a menace and he creates extra space for Cody and Alex Johnston.
“I think he has Origin written all over him, he’s physical and tough out of the back field and he’s arguably the best defensive centre in the game.”
In different information, Demetriou confirmed fullback Blake Taaffe was good to play after lacking coaching this week with the flu.
Kodi Nikorima, who signed from the Warriors earlier this week, is prone to play in opposition to his former membership by approaching and slotting right into a ball-playing lock position from the bench.
