Penrith's Wallace set to weigh up future

Penrith skipper Peter Wallace is set to use the upcoming representative period to help decide whether to retire or play beyond this year in the Telstra Premiership.

The 237-game veteran admitted preliminary discussions were occurring over his future but no decision had been made or any formal negotiations started with the club.

Wallace rejoined the Panthers in 2014 but has battled several injuries throughout his second stint, restricting him to 78 appearances.  

He rates as one of the more consistent performers in the competition with Anthony Griffin showing no hesitation in sticking with him as club captain in February.

"I just want to see how my body is in the next couple of months," Wallace told NRL.com.

"I was pretty banged up at the end of last year. I want to get to until about halfway through this season and try to make a call then.

"I've got an open mind there, I haven't really made up my mind either way. I've talked to my wife a fair bit about it, she supports whatever I'm thinking.

"There's no pressure from anyone there but for now I just want to play footy." 

It's been a whirlwind 12 months for the 32-year-old with Wallace pencilled in as No.9 for the NSW Blues for Holden State of Origin I in 2017 until a long-term groin injury shattered a dream return to the representative arena after eight years.

The burning desire to get back into the Origin fold remains a personal goal for Wallace, however it's unknown if the former Blues halfback features in new coach Brad Fittler's plans.

"You never lose hope with Origin, if it happens to come around it does. I'm happy with how I'm going," Wallace said.

"But I don't think there is any point of looking too far ahead. I learnt that last year how quickly things can change.

"I don't think there is too much point putting energy in something you can't control. What I can control is playing well for Penrith."

Wallace has enjoyed a stress-free start to the season as leader with the Panthers high-flying in second position after six rounds with 5-1 record.

An away trip against an injury-hit Cronulla Sharks side on Sunday is set to measure where Griffin's side are really at as they try to balance an injury crisis of their own.

"Really happy with how we're going at the moment," Wallace said.

"What we're building here is coming off the back of hard work, which is the most pleasing thing, probably a big improvement on last year as well.

"We're a pretty level-headed group but when you're going well it's important to keep an eye on the job and not get complacent.

"The competition is so tight that you can get pretty burnt, that's probably the main area we focus on now – to keep the standard and continue to build. We've got a heap of improvement in us."

Wallace was confident injured winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak would be cleared of a jaw fracture pending a clearance from the specialist.