Souths consider Walker fullback switch

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is considering moving in-form five-eighth Cody Walker to fullback for their NRL clash with the Wests Tigers.

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has hinted he's set to shake up his backline with Cody Walker tipped to move to fullback and winger Aaron Gray a strong chance to return.

Gray is likely to make his comeback from a knee injury suffered at the pre-season Auckland Nines in Friday's NRL clash with the Wests Tigers.

Maguire failed to shoot down talk five-eighth Walker was set to move to fullback while youngster Tyrell Fuimaono could also debut.

Should Walker move to the No.1 position, John Sutton would return to the halves to partner Adam Reynolds.

Walker was used to fullback last season and when asked if he would play down back against the Tigers at ANZ Stadium, Maguire said: "Possibly."

Gray and Fuimaono have both been named on an extended bench and their inclusion could result in Braidon Burns and Siosifa Talakai making way.

Fuimaono, 20, is a former Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kangaroos representative and has impressed since moving over from Parramatta in the off-season.

Gray was injured on the first day of the Auckland Nines in February and Maguire predicted he would have a impact on their backline which struggled defensively before the representative round bye.

"He's trained really well, I've got to assess him tomorrow so it would be great to get Aaron back," Maguire said.

"He's an experienced player and he's got a lot of energy as well so I'm looking forward to seeing him out there."

A loss to the Tigers would leave Maguire's side at 3-7 and with a mountain to climb to make the top eight.

If they don't return to the winner's circle against the Tigers, they could sink as low as 15th and would need to win nine of their last 14 to make the finals.

The common criticism of the Rabbitohs is that they have become stale and playing an outdated brand of football since winning the premiership in 2014, a claim Maguire denies.

"You evolve every week in this competition," Maguire said.

"It's about understanding where the game's going. Our players are playing a different brand than what we have before.

"We just have to make sure we show the little things on the park every single time we get out and play."


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world