True Blue Cody Walker has won the inaugural Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) Player of the Month award for May from a list of four nominees including Westpac NSW Blues prop Payne Haas.
NRL players themselves vote to decide the four nominees, which then is put before a panel of three former players: Dene Halatau, James Graham, and Immortal and Channel Nine commentator Andrew Johns.
Walker, who has been in mesmerising form at five-eighth for South Sydney, won the award as the NRL’s best player from Rounds 10-13.
Walker has 19 try assists so far this year, but enjoyed eight of that tally in those four games, plus scoring a try himself.
“I’m really grateful to have been one of the first nominees for the players’ Player of the Month and to be voted the winner for May is a huge honour. To be recognised by my peers in this way is very special,” Walker said.
The monthly award is a new addition to the RLPA’s list of player achievements that are traditionally announced at season’s end.
RLPA Chief Executive Clint Newton said Walker earned praise from players across the game because of his remarkable on-field talents for the Rabbitohs.
“His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and execute precise plays has been instrumental in South Sydney’s success so far this season,” Newton said.
“Walker’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed by his peers. The voting process highlights the respect and admiration players have for his talent.”
Walker is in his eighth season with the Rabbitohs and is edging closer to 200 games, currently sitting on 183. In addition to his 19 try assists for 2023, he has eight tries and 21 line-break assists.
He has played four Origin matches (2019-2020) across two series, including scoring a try in NSW’s 34-10 win over Queensland in Game Two 2020.
