Star playmaker Cody Walker has turned his back on new NRL club the Dolphins to extend his contract with South Sydney until the end of the 2023 season.
After steering the Rabbitohs into this year's grand final, the Yuin Bundjalung man was a target for the new Queensland outfit who will join the competition in 2023 with ex-Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett at the helm.
But the 31-year-old opted to stay at his "home" and usher in a new era under incoming coach Jason Demetriou.
Walker was named the Rabbitohs' player of the year for the last two seasons while he also won the 2021 Dally M five-eighth of the year and finished third in the overall medal count.
He has played 142 NRL matches for Souths since making his debut against Sydney Roosters in 2016 when he was 26.
"I'm really happy to be extending my stay at South Sydney for another season. This is my home," Walker said on Monday.
"I'm really excited about what is ahead for the team under 'JD' (Demetriou) and we have some young stars coming through who are going be great players for this club.
"I feel I have a role in helping lead this team over the next few years."
His partner Nellie Bell is a member of South Sydney's women's side, continuing the family's relationship with the club, while Walker is involved in local community and Indigenous programs.
Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison said Walker's re-signing was a priority.
"Cody keeps progressing his game and maturing as a footballer each season and he is certainly in his prime right now," Ellison said.
"He didn't make his debut until he was 26 which means his body hasn't experienced the punishment that some other players do when they debut at a younger age, and we're seeing the benefits of his approach to his football and his training when he takes the field now."
