Peter Wallace’s continuing strong form at hooker is not only set to provide an earlier than expected selection headache for Panthers coach Anthony Griffin, but it could ultimately provide the former Penrith skipper with a NRL lifeline at season’s end.
There are strong suggestions that regular hooker James Segeyaro could be ready to return from a broken arm suffered back in Round 1, as soon as next Monday night’s clash against the Roosters.
But while Griffin was adamant at last night’s post match press conference that the 2014 Hooker of the Year is still weeks away from a return, he admitted Wallace’s form may force a re-week on how to fit both he and Segeyaro into Penrith’s 17.
“Yeah (its) a good headache,” Griffin said.
“Chicko’s not due back for a couple of weeks.”
“As I said before the game we wouldn’t have known that this was going to be our team a few weeks ago and we will worry what our team looks like in a few weeks time.”
Wallace, who admitted he didn’t enjoy being used as bench hooker in his time at Brisbane under Griffin, says he is willing to do what is best for the team despite playing better each week in his new found role for the Panthers.
“When I played (hooker) in the past it was off the bench so I didn’t enjoy that but I’m enjoying it now especially the physical side of it,” Wallace explained.
“Every week it’s getting better and it’s getting easier (handling the workload) every week.”
“(But) it’s up to Hook what happens there (when Segeyaro comes back).”
“If Hook wants me to stay there (at hooker) I’m happy to do that.”
“But whatever is best for the team is what I’ll do.”
Wallace also said that the team has been encouraged by Te Maire Martin’s performances in the NRL to date, which adds to the selection puzzle that Griffin faces in coming weeks.
“(Martin) He’s going good and he’s learning all the time,” Wallace stated.
“I think our spine with Moyza back has really helped and we’re getting better week by week.”
The off-contract former Panthers skipper, who made 51 tackles against the Cowboys confirmed he has yet to have talks with any club about his future for 2017 and beyond.
But Wallace admits his form at hooker has him well placed to extend his NRL career, when many thought at the start of this season that 2016 could well be his NRL swansong.
“It’s another feather in my cap (playing hooker),” Wallace said.
“I had no idea how I would play in the position until I tried it so it gives me different options (now).
“Earlier in the year I said I wanted to give it a good couple of months before any talks takes place but I’m sure the manager is on to that behind the scenes but I’m even worried about that.”
Albo
Guest
He is being kept in cotton wool by the coach or Soward & Wallace. He is only getting to touch the ball 3 or 4 times a game. Time to give him some more ball and let him learn the trade and show us what he has got. Because the brief bits we get to see ( like his double touch involvement in their first try against the Cowboys) are all first rate ! The good ones just know the right options to take and when to deliver the pass ! He is the future on-field manager for this team. The sooner the better, I say.
Daniel Attias
Expert
Yeah I do, but it was always going to be hard to top that. He's young, will take some time to develop, and I also feel he hasn't seen the ball as much as he should. I just think they need to stick with him, he is the future in the halves for us.
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Do you think he's gone a bit quiet since that debut thou Daniel?
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Will come down to how Griffin feels about Te Maire Martin's progress so far I think
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Wallace's kicking game is nowhere near the quality of Sowards. And kicking well helps teams so much. I know I miss a good kicking at the Bulldogs this year, with all our options pretty poor if the kick needs to go more than 30m and into space.
Albo
Guest
If it was me, I would be dropping Soward ! He has cost them enough wins this year . Move Wallace to 7 & Segy to 9. Have Wallace & young Martin run the show for now, with guest appearances from Moylan ! Eventually it will be Martin's show to run on his own ! Wallace or Moylan could take over the goal kicking role and do as well as Soward is kicking at present.
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
The Cowboys showed the way. Wallace starts and Segeyaro come on at the back end of each half when the forwards are tiring. Glanville tore Penrith to shreds when he did the same on Saturday and Segeyaro has a great running game and could do the same. His dummy half service is not as good as Wallace's though.
Daniel Attias
Expert
It's a tough decision for Griffin to make, Wallace has been phenomenal playing in the number nine jersey, but Segeyaro does bring a certain attacking presence out of dummy half. Wallace has been a workhorse on defence, but I personally find it hard to see him in a starting role when Chicko is back, and Martin is a kid I'd like to see the Panthers continue to stick with in the halves. He has such potential and deserves to continue to play in first grade.