NRL and Origin star Peter Wallace succumbs to horrific injury toll

AN injury-ravaged Peter Wallace has called time on his NRL career effective immediately, stepping down as Penrith Panthers captain to join the coaching ranks instead.

Peter Wallace has retired effective immediately after injury cruelled his 2018 season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

AN injury-ravaged Peter Wallace has called time on his NRL career effective immediately, stepping down as Penrith Panthers captain to join the coaching ranks instead.

The 32-year-old hooker was on the bench indefinitely with a shoulder injury but made the decision to hang up his boots this week.

Panthers boss Phil Gould revealed Wallace had spent the last two seasons battling injury, including the astounding fact he played all 2017 with no ACL in his knee.

“Peter Wallace has informed the club and his teammates of his decision to retire, effective immediately,” Gould said.

Peter Wallace has retired effective immediately after injury cruelled his 2018 season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It’s an incredibly selfless act from Peter. He always had great faith in the young players coming through our system here at Panthers and has played a huge part in their development as both footballers and people.

“Peter has been battling with injury for several years and has repeatedly played for the club with injuries that would keep the normal man home in bed.

“It can now be revealed that Peter has played the last two years with no ACL in his knee after his last knee reconstruction actually failed.

“Management and coaches knew of his condition, but he didn’t want anyone else to know.”

Peter Wallace played the last two years with Panthers with no ACL in his knee.

Wallace played 239 matches at NRL level, beginning his career with the Panthers in 2005 before moving north to the Broncos in 2008.

Wallace returned home to the foot of the mountains in 2014 and had been weighing up whether to continue his career beyond 2018 when injury struck again.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph in April, Wallace said he would see how his body pulled up at the halfway mark of the season before making a call on his future.

Wallace played four matches for NSW at State of Origin level in 2008 and 2009 and had been in line for a Blues call-up just last year when a groin injury ruled him out of contention.

Peter Wallace and Danny Buderus make a tackle during a 2008 Origin match. Wallace played four Origins for NSW. Picture: Craig Wilson

He also played four matches for Scotland at international level.

While his playing career is over, Gould said Wallace would now join Penrith’s coaching staff to continue moulding the young Panthers squad.

“Peter will immediately take up a position on the coaching staff in our club,” Gould said.

“His experience and relationship with our players will be a wonderful asset for our program at Panthers. I can see Peter enjoying a long-term future in coaching at Panthers.

“He has enjoyed an outstanding playing career. He now moves into the next stage of his life and Panthers will always be here for him.”

Originally published as NRL and Origin star Peter Wallace succumbs to horrific injury toll