Walker dead-batted questions about whether he or other Souths players would be prepared to accept the Clive Churchill Medal from Rodney Churchill.

“I didn’t even want to say anything about the other situation, let alone this new one,” Walker said.

‘I don’t really know how to answer it. It is crap, to put it nicely.’

Cody Walker on claims he wields too much influence

“I am not here to focus on anything externally, I am here to win a game of football. It is one of the biggest games of the season. Everything is on the line to play finals footy. All of my energy is going into Friday night. I just can’t wait to get out there.”

Rabbitohs and NSW teammate Cook was more conciliatory when asked whether Souths players would be comfortable accepting the Clive Churchill Medal from Rodney should they win this year’s grand final.

“I think there has been talk about a possible apology, I’m sure there would be some stuff sorted out, possibly between Latrell and himself, maybe before then,” Cook said.

“I’d like to think by that stage – and I’m confident we can still get there and get the job done – that that could happen.

“Obviously, it wasn’t the best comments, but what he said hasn’t tarnished his dad’s [standing] ...

He’s a club great and a great of the game as well. There’s no harm there.”

However, Cook voiced concerns that constant criticism and scrutiny of Mitchell could lead to him walking away from the game prematurely.

“I do [fear that],” Cook said. “I would like to hope that it won’t happen, but when you go through moments like we have, you wouldn’t be surprised if – when he finishes his next contract – he goes, ‘Enough is enough, I’m 30 now, that will do me’.

“I hope not, I hope we don’t lose a superstar of our game, probably the most talked-about player in our game and the most recognised player in the NRL.

“I hope we don’t lose him any earlier because of issues like this.”

Murray, who said Mitchell remained in good spirits, expressed gratitude after signing a five-year contract extension. When asked about interest from rugby union – Wallabies coach Eddie Jones stated he was a target – the Souths skipper said: “I never talked to rugby and never really considered it, to be honest.

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“I love this place and always have. To lock my future up for the next five years is something I could have only dreamed of.”

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