NSW State of Origin selectors and coach Ricky Stuart haven’t sounded him out but Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin believes Peter Wallace is the answer to the Blues’ ongoing halves dilemma.
If they needed any further proof other than the way he’s taken over the reins from champion playmaker Darren Lockyer in running Brisbane’s young side, they should get to Lang Park and watch his comeback from injury against the Gold Coast on Friday night.
Mitchell Pearce seems to have the NSW halfback position covered with Cronulla’s Todd Carney in line for his Origin debut at five-eighth.
Titans enforcer Greg Bird believes Wallace will be shy on fitness and has promised a tough return for the Broncos No.7, who has overcome a minor groin tear to continue his bid for an Origin recall after being overlooked for game three in 2009.
Bird will lead the Titans’ attack down Brisbane’s right side where Wallace will be one of the defenders in his path.
“That’s their strong side where Wal (Wallace) defends Bird and company and Pete has to get out there and get in front of it. He’s done it before,” said Griffin.
“One of Pete’s strengths is his defensive game and his resilience to hang in for 80 minutes.”
Griffin said he hadn’t been contacted by any selectors from Queensland or NSW about his players’ form for Origin.
“I”m happy to push any of our players if someone wants to ring and the players are going well.
“I’d love to see Pete playing Origin and I think he’d handle either position. I certainly don’t think playing five-eighth would faze him.
“I think he’s doing just as much as the guys they’re mentioning.
“He’s done a terrific job for us in the highest quality games, the one in Perth where he got us home against Souths.
“We had our backs against the wall and he was able to drag us over the line, and against St George and Wests Tigers when we really needed him.
“That’s as good an audition as you can get for State of Origin.”
Griffin, who in less than two seasons has shown he can draw the best from players, said halves played similar roles whether they had seven or six on their back.
“Pete handled it (Origin) three years ago and he hasn’t gone backwards as a player since then,” the Broncos coach said.
Griffin wasn’t worried Origin “talk” would get inside Wallace’s head with Stuart still weighing up his halves options after last weekend’s City-Country audition.
“I hope he (Wallace) is thinking about tomorrow night and playing well there because that will take care of everything.
“He’s a really level-headed guy; he doesn’t let things get to him or get carried away with stuff.”
Titans rival Scott Prince rated Wallace among the best No.7s in the comp.
“I’m looking forward to playing against the best halfbacks in the comp and Peter Wallace is one of those,” Prince said.
“I’m sure he’ll want to go out and impress the Blues selectors as well, so he’ll be one to watch.”