“Yeah, definitely. He’s a Souths junior, played the majority of his childhood career at Mascot,” Walker said.
“I’m sure everyone at the club is doing everything they can to keep him here. We as a playing group want to keep him, he’s done a fantastic job for us over the years, probably been in the top three or four players at our club last season.
“He’s been awesome.”
Tszyu was an observer as the Rabbitohs trained at their Heffron Park headquarters on Wednesday. In what might have been a pointer to how coach Wayne Bennett will utilise his backline, Latrell Mitchell trained at left centre, while Jye Gray – who recently knocked back an approach from R360 to remain a Rabbitoh – spent the session at fullback.
Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell trained in the centres on Wednesday.Credit: Louise Kennerley
Another intriguing selection question is who will be Walker’s halves partner. Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys, Ashton Ward, Latrell Siegwalt and Jonah Glover are all jockeying for the No.7 jersey.
“There’s a few different players that could stand up over the pre-season,” Walker said. “I’m sure we’ll work that out when trials come in and we’ll see what happens.”
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Tszyu is looking to resurrect his career after suffering three losses in his past four fights. The former World Boxing Organisation super-welterweight champion said he never considered retirement.
“No, I knew what I wanted,” Tszyu said after being presented with a Rabbitohs jersey with his name on the back. “I’m in a good position in my career, and this is like the 2.0 [version] incoming.”
Tszyu has appointed a new support team for his comeback, although trainer Pedro Diaz isn’t scheduled to arrive in Sydney until fight eve.
“I’m very grateful for everyone I’ve met in the last couple of months and that have gotten me to this position,” Tszyu said.
“Right now I’m bulletproof, and the only thing on my mind right now is victory.”