As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.

13. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Age catches up with senior players

Age was a factor in South Sydney's decision not to extend Adam Reynolds's time at Redfern.

However, as Damien Cook and Cody Walker are approaching similar ages, it is strange that the Rabbitohs have committed to both for the immediate future. 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: (L-R) Damien Cook of the Rabbitohs and Cody Walker of the Rabbitohs talk before the round eight NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium on May 02, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

It was clear that the decision to move on Reynolds was made in favour of bringing Lachlan Ilias into grade, but without clear replacements for Cook and Walker the club may be in strife should they lose a gear or two next season.

Outside of Walker and Illias, South Sydney does contain Blake Taaffe and Dean Hawkins to potentially wear the 6.

Highly touted dummy-half Peter Mamouzelos is accompanied by Siliva Havili as backup nines.

It would be a bold statement to claim that Walker or Cook are over the hill, but time can catch up with you quickly and the pair are 32 and 31 years old respectively.

1 COMMENT

  1. Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.

    However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).

    Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.