No drama with Griffin says Wallace

Star playmaker Peter Wallace insists there’s no lingering animosity between him and former Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin after the pair were reunited at Penrith.

Wallace was cut from the Broncos by Griffin in favour of emerging star Ben Hunt ahead of the 2014 NRL season despite having a year left on his contract.

While critical of the decision at the time, the former NSW halfback said on Tuesday he had no problem working with new Penrith mentor Griffin, as they seek to turn the Panthers back into a rugby league powerhouse following the sacking of Ivan Cleary.

“There is nothing to be said about what went on at Brisbane,” Wallace told AAP.

“It was a decision made at the time and I have moved on from that and I’m sure he has too. Everything is sweet.

“We said g’day yesterday when we started pre-season training and it was just business as usual, there is no drama at all.

“It’s all good.”

Wallace believes the pair’s previous working relationship will help them hit the ground running ahead of the 2016 NRL season.

“It is definitely easier,” he said.

“I know what makes him tick and how he does things, so it won’t be as hard for me to adjust as some other people.

“He is pretty easy to work with and I’m sure all the boys will find it that way.

Wallace admitted Cleary’s recent sacking had come as a surprise to his former playing group.

“It was a shock in the sense that I don’t think anyone saw it coming, but that is footy, what can you do?” he said.

“That is how it is these days, no one’s job is safe. More than ever it is such a cut-throat industry.”

After suffering a season-ending ACL injury – for the second consecutive year – in round 20 in late June, Wallace said he was on track for a round one start in 2016.

“It is all going to plan. I have been doing a lot of rehab in the break. The physios are really happy with how it is looking. Hopefully I will get the last trial in and then round one,” he said.

“It was tough at the time, but I have had a lot of time to recover and get it right for next season.

“It is much stronger now than it was at any time last year.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!