Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Cody Walker has been handed a one match suspension after being charged for kicking Penrith's Jack Cogger during South Sydney's loss to the Panthers on Friday night. The Rabbitohs veteran was sin binned for the incident at CommBank Stadium and now faces missing next week's crucial clash with Newcastle if he accepts the early guilty plea. Cogger has also been suspended after receiving a separate charge for a high tackle later in the match.
Walker sanctioned for contrary conduct
Walker was charged with grade two contrary conduct after striking Cogger following a play the ball during the opening half.
The incident resulted in a sin bin, with Penrith taking advantage by scoring a try while South Sydney was reduced to 12 players.
If Walker accepts the charge, he will miss the Rabbitohs' match against fellow finals contender Newcastle.
Should he unsuccessfully challenge the charge at the NRL judiciary, he risks an additional suspension that would also rule him out of the following game against Canberra.
Veteran apologises after match
Walker accepted responsibility for his actions following the defeat.
"It wasn't good enough as a senior player and I've got to be better in those moments and not let my aggression get the better of me," Walker said.
"I let my teammates down, and I'm really sorry about that."
The 36 year old also apologised directly to Cogger after full time.
Television commentators strongly criticised the incident during the broadcast, describing the act as unnecessary and highlighting Walker's history of emotional moments on the field.
Rabbitohs facing further selection challenges
Walker's suspension comes at a difficult time for South Sydney as injuries continue to test the club's depth.
Latrell Mitchell, Alex Johnston, Adam Elliott and Campbell Graham were all unavailable against Penrith.
There is optimism Graham could return from a calf injury against Newcastle, while State of Origin representative Cameron Murray is also expected to be available.
The Rabbitohs remain firmly in the finals race, making Walker's absence a significant setback ahead of an important stretch of the season.
Cogger also suspended
Penrith halfback Jack Cogger has accepted a grade two careless high tackle charge following an incident involving Ashton Ward later in the game.
The suspension will sideline Cogger for two matches.
With Penrith scheduled to have a bye next weekend, Cogger will miss fixtures against Brisbane and Parramatta.
However, Nathan Cleary is expected to return after the State of Origin series, meaning Cogger was unlikely to retain his place in the starting side for those matches.
Despite the suspensions, Penrith remains on top of the NRL ladder as the reigning premiers continue their push toward another finals campaign.
