Normally, Cody Walker showcases his kicking skills on the last tackle. Or at least when he has possession of the football.
But in the most bizarre on-field incident of the season, the South Sydney playmaker unleashed his lethal left boot not on the Steeden, but Penrith half Jack Cogger.
Walker, mercifully, missed his target. But it was a costly airswing nonetheless after being roughed up in the play-the-ball.
Just a few seconds later, the ball was expertly spread across the Rabbitohs backline, resulting in a put-down by winger Dayne Jennings. The celebrations were short-lived.
The bunker picked up Walker’s infringement, the try was disallowed and Walker was sent to the sin bin. Had he connected, it would have been the end of his night.
“Just wasn’t good enough,” Walker said afterwards.
“As a senior player I’ve got to be better in those moments and not let aggression get the better of me.
“I let my teammates down and I’m really sorry about that. I spoke to Jack after the game and apologised to him.
“My emotions got the better of me and it’s not good enough. It’s just not on.
“To the boys’ credit, they worked extremely hard during that period. I let the team down massively.”
It’s the first time a player has been pinged for the offence since Melbourne’s Cameron Munster was binned for kicking Rooster Joey Manu in the 2018 grand final.
The stage wasn’t as grand and the stakes weren’t as high at CommBank Stadium. This was an encounter between two understrength contenders, both affected by injury and State of Origin commitments. The outcome – a 36-14 win to the Panthers – is unlikely to have any residual effect should they clash again in a more meaningful fixture.
Walker has been a combustible character throughout his brilliant career. He is quick to get under the skin of his opponents, but easily baited as well. The veteran was targeted not only by the Panthers but also their fans, who booed him when he returned to the field.
This brain explosion cost his team a try and they conceded another while he was missing. Opposition teams will take note.
It was a telling moment in a wildly entertaining encounter. Dylan Edwards – who displayed a right-foot step, a left-foot step and a fend, all in the one spectacular solo sequence – was the best on ground.
Panthers teammate Tom Jenkins scored the best try of the year. Not only did “Milky” defuse an attacking bomb, he managed to plant the ball down with his left hand while palming off Jack Wighton with his left. There was more luck than skill in his second, with officials unable to spot either an obstruction, knock-on or double movement. A third has him on the cusp of an all-time season record that has stood for 91 years.
It wasn’t all bad news for Souths. They produced periods of sparkling football, and unearthed a wonderful prospect in Jennings. The teenaged winger scored a try, had one disallowed – courtesy of Walker – and saved one in an eye-catching performance.
The result snapped a two-game losing streak for the Panthers, who consolidated top spot on the ladder.
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