BRISBANE BRONCOS halfback Peter Wallace claims he'll be operating behind the NRL's best forward pack this season.
With the possibility of Australian forward Sam Thaiday switching to play in the front-row alongside star recruit Ben Hannant, Wallace believes the bulked-up Broncos have the power, skill and depth to muscle up against any forward unit.
''I think it's the best pack in the NRL. It's not just big, it's also very mobile with a lot of strikepower,'' Wallace said.
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''They're not just bash and barge, they can pass and they've got some skill. We were probably a little light on [in the forwards] last year. With Benny [Ben Hannant] coming back and [Dane] Carlaw back, and all those young fellas like Mitchell Dodds and Josh McGuire a year older and wiser, we've got a lot of depth there.''
Returning from off-season surgery on the shoulder injury he carried through the final rounds of last year, former NSW Origin No.7 Wallace said the Broncos also boasted a strong back line.
''Having 'Hodgy' [centre Justin Hodges] back is like having another player too because he didn't play at all last year,'' he said.
''Young Dane Gagai was outstanding in the trial last week
we've got the speedsters to cash in on the work of our forwards.''
Brisbane are $17 chances with bookmakers to win the premiership in coach Anthony Griffin's rookie season, and Wallace likes their chances provided key players stay healthy.
Wallace said he would maintain his high defensive workload despite calls for him to stay out of the front line.
''I don't mind tackling, it gets me into the game. I just do what I have to for the team,'' he said. ''If I feel I'm out of gas at any stage, I'll push out a little wider for a set or something but after a set or so I'm back into it. If tackles have to be made, you make them, I suppose.''
