You need to figure at which end the play is coming from. Meaning a process of elimination of components.

Helm itself

steering cable(s)

the steering actuator itself - this can be common if water was in the steering reservoir for periods of time.

gimbal ring hinge pins area - loose or fracture

Gimbal ring pinch bolts loose

the gimbal ring worn thru the swivel shaft area - pinch bolts being loose causes this a lot - a very common issue

steering arm pinch bolt loose that connects to swivel shaft side

steering arm area worn thru swivel shaft

swivel shaft problem or the nut on top of the swivel shaft is loose (backed off) in which is a very common problem.

Dealer replaced the cable and helm assembly. While there the inner and outer gimbal and yoke housing was replaced. It was in really bad shape. Lots of rust along with water intrusion into the bilge. Turned into a very costly repair. Next year hopefully we will replace the other gimbal and yoke housing.

Good thing you found that. That is a good way to rot a transom if you have water leaking in there!