South Sydney have opened negotiations with Cody Walker in a bid to take the rising playmaker off the open market before the beginning of the NRL season.

Walker is tipped to be one of the stars of the Auckland Nines, where his speed and support play will be showcased in front of rival clubs in the abbreviated form of the game. The tournament is the perfect platform for the 25-year-old, who is off contract at the end of the year, to launch his first-grade career.

A one-match suspension to five-eighth Luke Keary will likely give Walker his NRL debut in round one against the Roosters and a strong start to the season could result in him remaining in the top side. The long-term future of Keary, whose one-year deal expires at the end of the season, is unclear after he was involved in an argument with Russell Crowe that resulted in him leaving a training camp held at the Rabbitohs co-owner's Nana Glen property. While halfback Adam Reynolds is contracted until 2017, there is growing speculation he may be squeezed out of Redfern if he doesn't fire early.

The Rabbitohs are keen to do a deal with Walker before rival clubs get the chance to see him play.