Walker in confident mood for PM’S clash

THIS will be a Rabbitohs redemption in the Pacific.

South Sydney star Cody Walker will return to representative football tonight after his dumping from NSW’S State of Origin side this season.

At age 29, and fearing his rep days may be over, Walker has fought back tenaciously from his Origin demise to win a place in the Prime Minister’s XIII for tonight’s match against Fiji in Suva, which also features Cowboy Kyle Feldt.

Walker has also been selected for the Australian Nines side.

The Rabbitoh was a broken man in June – but is now full of confidence and belief ahead of the PM’S game.

“After being dropped you do question whether you would again be in any rep sides,” Walker said in Fiji yesterday.

“I just had to get back to playing my best footy.”

Asked did the Origin sacking damage his confidence, Walker said: “Yeah, obviously it did. It was about turning my focus around and getting that confidence back.

“So to be recognised in a side like this, I’m very honoured and privileged.”

Walker was hooked before half-time of Origin I and sat benched until the final 10 minutes. Despite setting up a late try to give NSW a chance for victory, Walker was dumped for Origin II Perth.

He didn’t play again in the three-game series.

“It hurt ... being dropped the way I was,” Walker said.

“I was more disappointed that I didn’t play the way that I knew I was capable of.”

Walker has taken a senior role in the PM’S side and will guide and mentor the younger players through this evening’s game at Suva’s ANZ Stadium.

— Dean Ritchie