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Live sport on SN this weekendWalker wows, Fifita makes statement in Rabbitohs win
Joel Gould, AAP • February 22nd, 2026 8:36 pm
Cody Walker was on fire in South Sydney's big win over Manly in Mudgee | Mark Evans/AAP
Cody Walker wound back the clock in a great sign for South Sydney's season hopes and second-rower David Fifita shone on club debut in a 30-6 win over Manly.
Rabbitohs veteran Walker made three line breaks in the first half and scored a try with the zip and acceleration that has been a calling card when at his best.
The 36-year-old five-eighth played just 11 games in 2025 due to soft tissue injuries but looked in great shape in the Pre-Season Challenge clash.
"I'm feeling really good," Walker told Fox League.
"It's the first time I've had a really good pre-season in about three years, so I am looking forward to the start of the season."
Inside three minutes Fifita, in his first game for the club, burst through with a barnstorming line break that was a sign of the 26-year-old at his best.
Fifita, signed from the Gold Coast, had 13 runs for 142m before getting a break early in the second half.
David Fifita made a club debut full of impact for the Rabbitohs | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Walker's left edge attacking options with Fifita and strike centre Latrell Mitchell are mouth watering.
"That's going to continually grow," Walker said.
"We've got that many strike weapons over there so I'm going to have a ball this year."
The Rabbitohs have one of the most potent left-side attacks on paper but their right side isn't too shabby either and it was no surprise when centre Jack Wighton sent winger Campbell Graham over out wide.
There was a lot to like about the Rabbitohs.
Halfback Ashton Ward was outstanding and the 21-year-old looks like he will be a real threat in 2026 if given the No.7 jersey full-time.
His kicking game was on song and he combined nicely with Wighton.
The 22-year-old left the field midway through the second half after suffering cramp.
The Sea Eagles were off in attack with new halfback signing Jamal Fogarty struggling to make an impact. They also fell off tackles and lacked mongrel up front.
Manly also had forward Nathan Brown put on report for a high shot.
Their most promising displays came from young gun playmaker Joey Walsh when he came on and giant rookie prop Simione Laiafi
The Rabbitohs also received good service from the players that came on when the big guns went off.
Bronson Garlick scored after great lead-up from Jamie Humphries and Matt Dufty.
Mitchell was strong throughout and was enthusiastic when he chased through hooker Peter Mamouzelos' grubber to score.
Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray was also strong at lock and a relieved man after getting through unscathed. He played just one match last year due to an Achilles tendon rupture.
"My lungs are hurting a little bit and I was probably a bit more nervous than normal," he said.
"I feel good. I've had a really good pre-season and I knew we had been training hard and had earned the right to play some good footy today.
"I was really happy to get the first game out of the way."
Murray said he was most pleased with his side's defence and was full of praise for Ward.
"I thought he was one of our best and had the ball on a string with his kicking game," Murray said.
"For a rookie half he controlled the game really well."
