The manager of ex-NSW halfback Peter Wallace has revealed his client’s frustration over becoming one of the big-name casualties of the tug-of-war over NRL superstar Ben Barba.
Allan Gainey says Wallace is “prepared to go anywhere” after claiming an about-face from his NRL club the Broncos cost him a Penrith contract believed to be worth $1.5 million.
Despite denials from Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin, Gainey said Wallace sought a release almost two months ago when the Penrith offer lobbed but was knocked back by the Broncos.
However, Gainey said weeks later the Broncos told Wallace he could seek a release as they joined the hunt for Barba but by then the Penrith offer was off the table.
Wallace – once the Blues’ Origin No.7 – has since been demoted from the Brisbane starting side and comes off the bench as the back-up hooker.
“A release was sought seven weeks ago but the coach refused to consider it,” Gainey told AAP.
“But now they are chasing Barba they want to create room (under the salary cap).
“I asked at St George but they got Sam Williams from Canberra.
“Newcastle didn’t have much money to spend at all after signing Michael Dobson from (English) Super League and Penrith have re-signed Isaac John.
“He is prepared to go anywhere in the NRL if something came up but at the moment there’s no options.”
Parramatta looms as the only option left for Wallace while cashed-up halfback Chris Sandow remains on the outer.
But Gainey said at this stage Wallace was prepared to see out his Broncos contract which expires at the end of next season even if it meant languishing in the second-tier Queensland Cup.
“It’s a shame when coaches chop and change but he’s not going to do his bum – he will stay at the Broncos so he can get paid,” Gainey said.
“He could go to Super League but he’s not ready to go for family reasons.
“He believes he has two or three good years of NRL still left in him.”
The Broncos are desperate for a marquee signing but may be sweating on Barba’s availability for some time.
Barba was set to ask the Bulldogs for a release once his former partner took up an option to move to the Gold Coast with their two young children.
But Barba’s manager Gavin Orr said there was still a chance the livewire fullback would stay in Sydney and see out his Bulldogs contract until the end of 2015.
“It will be hard for Ben to stay here if that does happen (family leaves for Queensland) but it’s a week to week thing with his partner during their reconciliation,” Orr told AAP.
“Things might change again but at the moment it is a personal thing between them.”
Orr said at the moment Barba was just concentrating on an early return from an ankle syndesmosis injury suffered in last Friday night’s 40-12 win over the Eels.
scribble
Guest
Eels should have gone for Wallace instead of Norman. Norman is a complete dud of a player. Wallace isn't the most creative half but his defence is top notch and he puts in 100% every game.
Arthur Fonzarelli
Guest
Hasn't been the same player since he lost a testicle.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Ben Hunt was Under 20 player of the year in 2008 and his Broncos team with many of the current Broncos squad made the grand final that year. Big things were expected of that group which included McGuire, Norman, Hoffman, Yow Yeh, Hunt, Glenn, Gillette etc. If Hunt can be more consistent in producing performances like last night, the Broncos half back problem is solved. Ben Barba will not win you grand finals
Haz
Guest
Oikee, you do realise that Wallace doesn't play for Manly, right?
Haz
Guest
But only guys in the upper echelon can actually do that. Your average rugby league player doesn't have the clout to negotiate like Sonny Bill can. You can see Benji trying to do the SBW thing, but he just isn't good enough anymore to get anyone interested.
eagleJack
Guest
Still it shows how often clubs screw players over. Wallace gave his all for the club during a period where they have performed poorly. He asks for a release, in good faith, to return home to Penrith where a contract has been drawn up for him. The Broncos deny the move, the Panthers take the deal off the table, and THEN the Broncos tell him he isn't wanted. Surely they would have known he wasn't in their long term plans and could have granted him a release? Or are the Broncos in such dire straits that they are making decisions on the fly? That's why I enjoy watching guys like SBW calling all the shots. Cause for every SBW, there are hundreds who are at the mercy of the clubs administrators who, ultimately, couldn't give 2 hoots about the player.
oikee
Guest
Wallace is a park footballer. Who ever pays him Chris Sandow money has got rocks in their head. He is worth nothing more than 100 thousand a year, even then he is overpaid. 1.5 million, nobody would be crazy enough to offer him that sort of cash. ? Penrith? Parra, maybe some clubs are crazy. Barba is worth 1.5 million over 3 years. These players are being paid way too much, even Lockyer could not take the Broncos to a final the last 6 years he played. wallace has no chance of ever seeing another final.
Gaz
Guest
Seven weeks ago the Broncos still had a chance on paper of making the finals. Seven weeks ago they had chosen to persevere with the same players. Languishing at the bottom of the ladder and not improving any fool could see changes had to be made. Wallace happened to be one of those changes.
Gaz
Guest
Wallace is as tough as they come, sensational defence, good kicking game but lacks pace. How many times does he break the line as good half backs need to do and how many times does he get caught with the ball even on the fifth tackle. As pointed out earlier perhaps he is a lock but maybe a bit small. Where ever he ends up he will give 100% so I wish him well.
Adrien
Guest
Now that's a good idea and i believe they could turn him into an origin player "again"
Gristy
Guest
Wallace is a good half let down by circumstance, a plan was in place for the loss of Lockyer but it was thrown in to turmoil when what's his name went to the other other code. Since then he has had a team of back rowers to lead around the park. He will do well with a change of club, Parra seems ideal, Stuart was one of Australia's best half backs and hopefully can coach one out the what is left out of Wallace. I like the Ranga and hope he can find a home.
eric
Guest
With widdop gone, storm looks like a good option.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Wallace is a "big name player"???? On what planet? He's more a lock than a halfback anyway, great defence but one dimensional attack. Then again, he IS in a team with second rowers playing prop, centre and wing. Shambles.
Damien
Roar Guru
I agree with you but thats not why Wallace is upset. For some reason Wallace hasn't been good enough for the Broncos. Fair enough. But the Broncos haven't really covered themselves in glory. Broncos : What ? You want to break up with us ? Hell No !! Wallace : Ok. Penrith deal is taken away. And 7 weeks pass. Broncos : There isn't a place for you here Peter. Sorry mate. Wallace : WTF !! You said you wouldn't release me and blocked the Penroth deal !! Broncos : Ah yes, but thats because you wanted to leave us. Thats not how it works. Its the BRONCOS that do the breaking up. Now get out of my office !!
Roarsome
Guest
Yep, that's the agent doing a good job for his client. The fans have been calling for Wallace's head for years because he's done nothing at the club. Now using the Barba possible move as an excuse to look for another club is a good move from his agent and disguises the fact that's he's simply not a good half.
Frosty
Guest
Loyalty doesn't play a part in professional sport anymore...... If ever.
sunniecoastchap
Guest
No thanks!!!!! No such thing anymore. He may go to the Blues and play kick and clap, oh no wait, he is not over weight and under performing!!
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Loyalty anyone ?