Next week will be the biggest in Cody Walker's NRL career.
The South Sydney superstar now has one eye on the Dally M Medal and another on an NRL premiership after starring in his team's 36-16 preliminary final win over Manly on Friday night.
The 31-year-old showed just how much he wants the title with a try double against the Sea Eagles - his second coming after he peeled himself off the ground and raced 35 metres to catch a grubber kick and score.
It's the kind of effort play that has typified his stunning season so far.
The classy playmaker is in line for the prestigious NRL player of the year medal on Monday night and will then play in his first grand final against either Melbourne or Penrith on Sunday week.
Friday night's win put the Rabbitohs five-eighth on the verge of a rugby league fairytale after the best season of a six-year NRL career that only started at age 26.
"He's the type of player, they just have it," Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said.
"You can't coach what they've got. That's Cody. Instinct. Ability to take the moment, grab it, wonderful, put the ball in his hands, great pass.
"He's got great footwork and speed as well so he's a real threat.
"He's one of the few players in the game who is a threat every time he's got the ball in his hands."
Walker's is not the only fairytale on the line on Sunday week.
Skipper Adam Reynolds will play his last game for his beloved club after 10 seasons of NRL with South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs junior will join Brisbane next season but has one last chance to bow out with a second premiership.
He will need to shake off a groin strain that kept him quiet on Friday night, giving up the kicking tee to inexperienced fullback Blake Taaffe who kicked four from seven goals.
NRL veteran Benji Marshall will also play his second NRL grand final, 16 years after his first ended in triumph with Wests Tigers back in 2005.
At 36, Marshall's career appeared all but over before he was signed by Bennett at the start of the season.
Australian Associated Press
