Souths star Cody Walker has hilariously revealed he “didn’t go near the kicking tee” following last week’s goal kicking debacle which cost the Rabbitohs dearly.
Walker and Taane Milne missed four conversions against the Dolphins in Round 19 in an eight point loss, leading to Souths handing the goal kicking duties to Damien Cook.
The change from Walker and Milne to Cook worked wonders.
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In his 200th game for the Rabbitohs, the veteran nailed 7/8 conversions in South Sydney’s 42-28 win over the Tigers, despite the fact he hadn’t taken a shot on goal in game since 2016.
Cook is the seventh goal kicker the Rabbitohs have used this year, which is two more than any other team in the comp.
When asked about the deeds of Cook in the post-match press conference, Walker laughed.
“I didn’t go near the kicking tee this week,” he said.
Interim coach Ben Hornby said with Walker relinquishing duties, the Rabbitohs held a kicking contest at training which Cook won.
“He’d been doing a lot of practice. Goalkicking was a difference today in our favour so it was good and I’m pleased to see him do it,” Hornby said.
“Cody handed it over so we had a bit of decision to make. We had a kick off earlier in the week and Cooky won it.”
With first choice kicker Latrell Mitchell spending a bit of time on the sideline at different stages of the season, the Rabbitohs have turned to Dean Hawkins, Walker, Milne, Cook, Dion Teaupa and even Jai Arrow to attempt conversions.
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Hornby admitted a strong goalkicking display in windy Gosford conditions was “important”.
“Cookie wanted it. That’s part of goal kicking as well and it was his 200th game so I thought it was a good chance for him to go out and have a kick,” he said.
Cook was nonchalant when asked about his performance with the boot, which included several successful sideline conversions.
“It has been a while since I’ve goal kicked, but a few of us have been doing some training trying to fill the void left by Trell,” Cook said after the game.
“Benny pointed to me out of me and Taane and I kicked them all right so I’m happy with that.”
Source Agencies
