http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21933973-5006066,00.html
Penrith stand firm on Wallace
June 20, 2007 12:00am
DEFIANT Penrith officials last night said they would refuse to release five-eighth Peter Wallace to Brisbane despite sacking him from first grade.
Having agreed to join the Broncos next season, Wallace dramatically lost his spot to youngster Maurice Blair for Friday night's clash with the Warriors. Another pivot, new signing Richie Williams, was named on a five-man Panthers bench.
"If he wants to go and a deal can be done, he should be allowed to go,'' Wallace's agent Allan Gainey told The Daily Telegraph last night. "The bloke they've bought (Williams) is not even there so they can't say they're still going to use him or whatever because they've got another reserve there.
"The initial approach from Penrith was, 'Oh no, we'll still need him'. But I think there is a clause in the contract that says a player has to perform to his best endeavours and if he does he expects to be picked. But that is obviously not the case here.''
Gainey said he didn't "think it could possibly be the case'' that Wallace had been dropped on form.
Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said he could accommodate Wallace immediately.
But Panthers general manager Mick Leary said: "There's no way in the world we'll be releasing him. As far as we're concerned 'Bob' Blair's been out injured, he's back now and the coach has selected 'Bob' Blair.''
Asked the reason Wallace had been dropped, Leary said: "That's the coach's prerogative. It's his decision and I support him.''
Cullen said: "If he was released - and that's a big if - then I don't think there'd be a problem. It's not a cap issue.''
But after speaking to his client late last night, Gainey said Wallace seemed willing to "stick it out'' despite a "kick in the teeth''.
Elsewhere, Bulldog Ben Roberts has been restored to first grade despite his drink-driving misdemeanour at the weekend. Willie Tonga also returns from a stand-down against Manly on Friday while Sonny Bill Williams has escaped his latest off-field misdemeanour with his spot intact.
The Sea Eagles have Steve Matai back. Steve Menzies was named on the bench.
Gold Coast's Preston Campbell (knee) returns against Newcastle on Saturday night. The Knights have Kade Snowden at prop for Josh Perry (hamstring).
Luke MacDougall (triceps) is part of a six-man Knights bench.
Nathan Hindmarsh will captain Parramatta against Sydney Roosters on Saturday night in the absence of Nathan Cayless (hand).
North Queensland have named Jason Smith on the bench.