Bunnies’ delicate deals

Souths must tread carefully when in talks with superstar pair Mitchell and Walker

THE South Sydney Rabbitohs are about to enter into potentially difficult contract negotiations with their two most highprofile players, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

They are mindful fans won’t accept a situation like in the previous drama-charged discussions with club legends Adam Reynolds and Alex Johnston that were so angrily and emotionally played out for months.

CEO Blake Solly will meet with Walker and Mitchell’s agent Warwick Wright in coming weeks, hoping to do a deal before November when the two Indigenous superstars are free to sign elsewhere.

They are great mates and would prefer to stay at Redfern as a package.

Latrell being Latrell is the less difficult one. Despite playing only four games since last November, he is a milliondollar-a-season superstar and a marketing machine.

It would take an astronomical offer to drag the 25-yearold away from the club he loves so much.

Walker is the fascinating one. What is he now worth?

Wayne Bennett once said of Walker: “His skills are up there with any player I’ve coached.”

Last year he finished third in the Dally M award behind Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary. However, his form this year has been poor by his lofty standards, like more than a few of his South teammates.

Walker appears to be missing Bennett as much as anything else and his old halves partner Reynolds. It’s been said a million times this year that he doesn’t look happy.

Walker is now 32 years of age. It means he’ll be 34 for his next contract in 2024.

The fact he started his NRL career later than most means his body hasn’t had the wear and tear of most players his age. But again, what’s he actually worth?

At the height of his career you’d suggest $800,000 would be on the money.

Yet on form this year the club can’t justify that amount.

He is no longer in contention for Origin or the World Cup at the end of the season.

Still, Souths have to handle this one delicately.

The Reynolds and Johnston negotiations led to petitions and huge outrage among members and fans. Their passion just exploded.

Whatever happens, the Rabbitohs want Walker on a lifetime-type deal.

CEO Blake Solly told us on Sunday: “Cody has been a huge contributor to our success in recent seasons.

“He is establishing himself as a considered and articulate leader in the Indigenous community.

“We would love him to stay with us until his career finishes and beyond that, given his appetite to be a coach and his position in our community.”

It’s like what other great clubs do with their legends.

The Roosters now employ Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend and Mitch Aubusson. Alfie Langer has a lifetime agreement to work at the Broncos.

Walker deserves the same.