South Sydney have been accused of disrespecting veteran five-eighth Cody Walker after it was revealed what they’re apparently prepared to pay him to play on for one more season.

Walker is off contract at the end of the year and the feeling around the Walker camp is that he wants to play one last season at Souths in 2027 and finish his career as a one-club player.

Watch every game of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

“There’s a lot of drama there with Cody Walker and his future. I thought he had a pretty good year this year, Cody. You know what they’ve offered him for next year? $300,000,” veteran reporter Buzz Rothfield said on Fanatics TV.

“I think they’ve low-balled him. Apart from that horrible brain snap he had against Penrith (kicking Jack Cogger) I thought he was outstanding.

“I thought he had a real good year, and I think they’re taking the piss and I know he’s not happy.”

Wahs missed chance, Knights’ unsung hero | 08:59

MORE NRL NEWS

‘Better use of the money’: NRL makes shock Grand Final pre-game call after star’s odd snub

Unbeaten Roosters receive Origin boost; Broncos dealt crushing blow — NRLW Preliminary Finals Teams List

Walker played 24 games this season and was one of the club’s most consistent players before he succumbed to a calf injury in the elimination final loss to Newcastle.

Rothfield revealed that he was on about $400,000 this season, but didn’t expect to take another pay cut given his contributions to the team this year.

He will be 37 when the season starts next year, but he’s still got all the ball-playing skills that have helped him record 202 try assists in his 247 career games, including 26 this year.

Former Raiders hooker Simon Woolford believes Souths were already getting a good deal with Walker and didn’t need to dock him more pay.

“I thought he was in their top-three players throughout the year and he stayed relatively injury-free. Obviously he went down in that last game, but injuries are injuries, that’s part of rugby league,” Woolford said.

“I would have thought he was worth $500,000 to $600,000 on what he produced this year.”

“What else they’ve got there in the halves? I don’t think they can afford to lose Cody Walker. Age is just a number, and he proved this year that he’s still one of the more elite sixes in the game.

“I think he would feel a bit disrespected at $300,000.”

360 panel floats Hynes switch | 03:07

Rothfield believes that Walker’s post-football career is a delicate issue given he’s expected to stay employed with Souths.

“He knows he’s got a lifetime future at Souths inside that football club, in whether it’s welfare, junior development, pathways, or mentoring. But to offer him $300,000, I know his camp aren’t happy about that,” Rothfield said.