Penrith Panthers step up bid for Brisbane Broncos playmaker Peter Wallace as Luke Walsh released to join Super League with St Helens

LUKE Walsh has been squeezed out of Penrith as the club steps up its bid for Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace.

Luke Walsh

LUKE Walsh has been squeezed out of Penrith as the club attempts to lure Brisbane playmaker Peter Wallace back to the Foot of the Mountains.

Walsh will finish the 2013 season at the Panthers before joining Super League club St Helens in 2014.

Penrith have been on the hunt for class halves all year, with Wallace the latest player in a string of big money plays.

The club recently signed former Origin pivot Jamie Soward, but missed out on Test star Johnathan Thurston and Cronulla playmaker Todd Carney.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin is confident Wallace will honour his existing deal, which expires at the end of 2014.

But Wallace’s commitment is being tested by the Panthers, who have tabled a three-year contract worth $500,000 per season.

Wallace’s manager Allan Gainey preferred not to comment on the deal.

If Wallace were to sign for the Panthers, the club will have come full circle over the last five seasons.

Ironically, Walsh was signed from Newcastle as a replacement for Wallace, who left Penrith to join the Broncos in 2008.

Panthers general manager rugby league Phil Moss paid tribute to Walsh’s efforts at the club.

"Luke has made a wonderful contribution to the Panthers and will always be a highly valued member of our club,” Moss said.

"We wish Luke and his family all the best as they start their new life in England."

St Helens coach Nathan Brown said: "Luke is an exciting addition to the squad. He is a good organiser and possesses a great kicking game too.

"We are always looking to improve the team and I'm sure Luke will contribute to that. We are looking forward to having him on board.

"We would also like to thank Penrith Panthers for allowing Luke to be released from his contract to join us next season."