The South Sydney Rabbitohs did not have much to cheer about in a frustrating 2016 campaign but one of their shining lights was the rise of five-eigth Cody Walker who became one of their most consistent performers.

With Luke Keary moving on to arch rivals the Sydney Roosters, Walker now has the chance to lock down the number 6 role long-term.

The Nowra junior says he is knuckling down and preparing in pre-season as best he can.

“I’m focusing on every week, leading up to the week and getting something out of training and building combinations amongst the team,” Walker told the Rabbitohs website.

“It’s really positive, everyone’s getting around, everyone came back from the break looking really good and looked like they had done something in the break so I’m really looking forward to the month ahead.”