Devastating Setback for the Rabbitohs
South Sydney’s finals campaign came to a painful conclusion as veteran playmaker Cody Walker suffered a serious calf injury during the Rabbitohs’ elimination-final clash with the Newcastle Knights.
The 36-year-old was forced from the field during the first half of Friday night’s contest at Allianz Stadium, leaving South Sydney without one of its most experienced attacking players at a crucial stage of the season. The Rabbitohs ultimately went down 20–10, bringing their 2026 campaign to an end.
Walker Goes Down
Walker appeared to suffer the injury without significant contact, suddenly going to ground and immediately reaching for his calf.
The veteran playmaker was visibly distressed as he left the field, with reports noting the emotional scenes on the Rabbitohs’ sideline. Walker had been central to South Sydney’s attacking structure throughout the season, making his departure an enormous challenge for Wayne Bennett’s side.
Rabbitohs Lose Their Leader
Walker has been one of South Sydney’s most influential players for years, and his experience was particularly valuable in a sudden-death finals environment.
With the Rabbitohs already facing the pressure of an elimination match, losing their veteran five-eighth forced Bennett and his players to adjust their attacking approach. South Sydney struggled to generate the same attacking fluency after Walker’s departure.
The Knights capitalised on the disruption, maintaining control of the contest and eventually securing a 20–10 victory.
Newcastle Takes Control
Newcastle made an aggressive start and established an early advantage through tries from Jermaine McEwen and Dane Gagai.
The Knights continued to apply pressure as South Sydney attempted to remain within striking distance. Despite moments of resistance from the Rabbitohs, Newcastle’s defence repeatedly frustrated their opponents.
Kalyn Ponga also produced a commanding performance, while McEwen crossed twice as the Knights secured their first away finals victory since 2013.
Souths Fight Until the End
Despite Walker’s absence, the Rabbitohs refused to surrender.
Keaon Koloamatangi produced a powerful performance in the middle, while Jye Gray scored South Sydney’s only try of the night in the final stages.
However, Newcastle had already established enough of a lead to withstand the late challenge. Dom Young’s try eventually put the result beyond doubt and sent the Knights into the second week of the finals.
A Difficult Night for Bennett
The defeat was made even more frustrating for South Sydney by several controversial moments during the contest.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett strongly criticised a Bunker decision that denied his side what he believed should have been a try. The incident added to the drama of an already difficult night for the club.
However, the injury to Walker remained one of the most significant moments of the match, particularly given the veteran’s importance to the Rabbitohs’ attack.
Questions Over Walker’s Future
Walker entered the 2026 season as one of the oldest players in the NRL and was out of contract at the conclusion of the campaign.
His injury therefore arrived at a particularly significant moment in his career. While the immediate focus will be on his recovery and medical assessment, questions surrounding his future will inevitably attract attention during the offseason.
South Sydney will also have to consider how it replaces the experience and creativity that Walker has provided over such a long period.
Knights March On
For Newcastle, the victory represented a major achievement.
The Knights had finished the previous season with the wooden spoon but dramatically turned their fortunes around under coach Justin Holbrook. Their victory over South Sydney gives them another opportunity to extend their unexpected finals campaign.
Newcastle will now prepare for another crucial finals encounter as it continues its pursuit of a place in the grand final.
Rabbitohs Face an Offseason Reset
For South Sydney, the 20–10 defeat marks the end of a campaign that promised plenty but ultimately ended in disappointment.
The club must now turn its attention toward recovery, recruitment and preparation for 2027. The health and future of Cody Walker will be among the major storylines surrounding the Rabbitohs as they begin that process.
The veteran’s injury served as a painful reminder of how quickly a finals campaign can change, while Newcastle’s composed performance ensured the Knights were the side celebrating when the final siren sounded.