LIVE: Joey’s admission over Blues ‘magician’

Blues great Andrew Johns has sung the praises of Cody Walker, saying the Rabbitohs five-eighth is the closest he’s seen to Manly legend Cliffy Lyons.

Lyons played 309 games for the Sea Eagles from the late 80s through to 1999, where he won two premierships and two Dally M medals.

Johns said Walker was in career-best form leading to his selection for the Blues for game three, in what will be the third different halves combination in as many games.

“He’s a magician, without doubt,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.

“He’s my favourite player to watch over the last couple of years, the things he does with the ball mesmerises everyone. 

“Sometimes you’re at home looking for the ball on the inside and he’s got it to the outside.

“The biggest wrap I’ve given Cody over the years is he’s the closest player I’ve seen to Cliff Lyons – he’s an absolute magician.”

Walker will team up with Eels halfback Mitch Moses in Origin III on Wednesday night. The pair have combined once before in a Prime Minister’s XIII team in 2019.

Johns said Walker brings a “different kind of threat” to Jarome Luai.

“Jarome is a threat with his running game and energy, whereas Cody is a threat with the ball, his passing and pass-selection.”

Johns also warned the Walker-Best combination on the left side could prove troublesome for the Maroons.

“I think he’ll unlock Bradman, that combo on the left is one to get excited by,” he said.

Walker’s Rabbitohs will take on the lowly Bulldogs this afternoon.