South Sydney are close to pulling off a remarkable about-face from star five eighth Cody Walker, who threatened to quit the club midway through last year over a pay dispute.

7th Tackle understands Walker is on the verge of agreeing to a two-year extension with the Rabbitohs -- just nine months after requesting a release.

Walker’s management clashed with Souths midway through last season after a request for a contract upgrade fell on deaf ears.

The Bunnies defied the Broncos' interest to re-sign Walker in 2016, but his form over the ensuing 12 months quickly out-stripped the relatively modest contract.

Despite being moved to fullback for extended periods last season, the 28-year-old still managed to rank second for try assists in the NRL.

But Souths bosses stuck to their guns, adamant the club did not have enough cap space.

Cody Walker (L). Pic: Getty More

Walker retaliated by requesting a release, which was denied. He then declined to take up an option on his contract for 2019, leaving him as a free agent after this year.

Most expected him to leave, with Cronulla showing considerable interest at one stage, but the appointment of new coach Anthony Seibold appears to have doubled as an unexpected ice-breaker.

In the past three months Seibold has committed to Walker as his first-choice five-eighth, sending him to South Australia for kicking clinics with AFL club Port Adelaide and arranging specialist coaching with halves mentor Matty Johns.

FULL STORY: Johns recruited to join Redfern revolution

Greg Inglis’s expected move to Walker’s left edge has also increased his desire to remain at Redfern.

The Rabbitohs skipper is in the final stages of his comeback from an ACL, a serious injury that’s tipped to see him revert from fullback to the centres.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have rewarded forward Zane Tetevano for a strong first-up year at Bondi, upgrading his contract for this season and signing him on until the end of 2019.