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Craig HillWallace Aiming For Origin
December 18th 2008 15:34
BRISBANE halfback Peter Wallace can't afford to slip up this season if he hopes to achieve his goal of playing State of Origin again in 2009.
Wallace came from the clouds to snatch the NSW Origin No.7 jumper for the first two games this year before a nasty testicle injury ruled him out of the series decider.
Playing Origin was clearly the highlight of Wallace's debut season with the Broncos.
Wallace says his Origin experience has made him keen to start the season firing.
"Origin was definitely the highlight," he said after another impressive skills session.
"I still can't believe that I actually played Origin to be honest."
Learning from retired great Andrew Johns was invaluable and Wallace's impressive kicking game in Origin I had the Johns polish all over it.
"What I learned off Joey (Johns) and Craig (coach Craig Bellamy) was massive," he said.
"Missing out on that third one really hurt, definitely my goal next year will be to get back into the (Origin) squad.
"It won't be easy because there's a number of good halfbacks around who could play there but it is definitely one of my goals."
Like all the Brisbane players, Wallace is eagerly awaiting the arrival of young try-scoring sensation Israel Folau.
Folau's ability to climb above his opposition and use his massive frame could tempt coach Ivan Henjak to play him on the wing, although he may team up with his Queensland Origin teammate Justin Hodges in the centres.
Both Wallace and Lockyer will seek out Folau with their bombs, taking advantage of his amazing aerial skills which were almost impossible to combat in 2008.
"Look at the backline, it's nearly an international backline with him there," enthused Wallace who expects his combination with Lockyer to be even better next season.
"It's one of Israel's major strike weapons, going up high for the ball.
"He's awesome in the air so I don't think it's a secret we're going to be trying to cash in with that."
Wallace came from the clouds to snatch the NSW Origin No.7 jumper for the first two games this year before a nasty testicle injury ruled him out of the series decider.
Playing Origin was clearly the highlight of Wallace's debut season with the Broncos.
Wallace says his Origin experience has made him keen to start the season firing.
"Origin was definitely the highlight," he said after another impressive skills session.
"I still can't believe that I actually played Origin to be honest."
Learning from retired great Andrew Johns was invaluable and Wallace's impressive kicking game in Origin I had the Johns polish all over it.
"What I learned off Joey (Johns) and Craig (coach Craig Bellamy) was massive," he said.
"Missing out on that third one really hurt, definitely my goal next year will be to get back into the (Origin) squad.
"It won't be easy because there's a number of good halfbacks around who could play there but it is definitely one of my goals."
Like all the Brisbane players, Wallace is eagerly awaiting the arrival of young try-scoring sensation Israel Folau.
Folau's ability to climb above his opposition and use his massive frame could tempt coach Ivan Henjak to play him on the wing, although he may team up with his Queensland Origin teammate Justin Hodges in the centres.
Both Wallace and Lockyer will seek out Folau with their bombs, taking advantage of his amazing aerial skills which were almost impossible to combat in 2008.
"Look at the backline, it's nearly an international backline with him there," enthused Wallace who expects his combination with Lockyer to be even better next season.
"It's one of Israel's major strike weapons, going up high for the ball.
"He's awesome in the air so I don't think it's a secret we're going to be trying to cash in with that."
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