Broncos coach Anthony Griffin sure Peter Wallace is staying

ANTHONY Griffin says Peter Wallace has assured that he is committed to the Broncos amid speculation the halfback wants to return to Penrith.

Peter Wallace

BRISBANE coach Anthony Griffin says Peter Wallace has given assurances he is committed to the Broncos amid speculation the halfback wants a release to return to Penrith.

Breaking his silence on the issue, Griffin told The Courier-Mail he expected Wallace to remain at Red Hill until the end of 2014 after a private meeting with the playmaker on Monday.

And the Brisbane coach last night scuppered suggestions the club was circling Quade Cooper, saying the Wallabies star won't be lured into a cross-code defection.

It is understood Brisbane recruitment chief Andrew Gee was contacted eight days ago by Wallace's manager Allan Gainey, who intimated Penrith's interest in snaring the former NSW half for 2014.

The Panthers' overtures sparked a report Wallace wanted out of Brisbane, but Griffin said the Penrith junior gave no indication he wished to rescind his existing deal.

"There's no confusion from our end, he is contracted with the Broncos until the end of 2014," Griffin said.

"I spoke to Peter (on Monday) and I asked, 'Do you want a release?' He said, 'No' ... so that's all I can tell you on that.

"I'm not sure where it started, but I'm not naive enough to think there wouldn't be interest in Pete."

Gainey declined to comment last night.

But the Broncos are not oblivious to the prospect of Wallace exploring his options if the Panthers table a lucrative deal. For now though, he has given his word he is staying at the Broncos. Off the field, he has found contentment in Brisbane, with his partner recently giving birth to their first child.

However, there are other family considerations, with his mother Diane, who still lives near Penrith, having battled some health issues.

Griffin insisted the off-season arrival of Scott Prince had not angered Wallace.

"No. We have signed people in different positions and that is professional sport. I haven't got any issue there," he said of rumours Wallace was unhappy with Prince's signing.

"Pete is an important part of our team.

"We signed him in good faith and he signed in good faith."

And Griffin said the Broncos had no interest in signing Queensland Reds flyhalf Cooper.

"That is one for the Bermuda Triangle," he said.

"We have never entertained signing Quade Cooper.

"We are going to be patient and make sure that what we do is the best thing for the club."