Veteran Penrith hooker Peter Wallace will captain the side in 2018, coach Anthony Griffin confirmed this morning.
The 32-year-old is in the final season of his current contract and was the logical choice for Griffin given his extensive experience.
Wallace has captained the side several times in recent years when Matt Moylan, who has now left the club, was unavailable.
“Peter Wallace did a great job at the back end of last year and I don’t see any reason to change that at the moment,” Griffin said.
“He’s been a great servant to the club and his transition into hooker has given him another lease on life and taken him to another level.
“He is a great leader around the place and has really grown over the last couple of years in that role.”
Wallace was on the verge of returning to representative football last year but a groin injury ruined his opportunity to represent New South Wales in the Origin series.
“He’s had a really good off season and we’re looking forward to watching him play this year,” he said.
Incoming five-eighth James Maloney said he was looking forward to working under Wallace.
“I think it’s the right call,” he said.
“He’s very highly respected amongst the boys and a nice calm old head. I think it’s a really good appointment.
“I’ve always had plenty of respect for him playing against him so it’ll be nice to work with him.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.