When the young Penrith discard decided to head to Brisbane this season, the lure of playing alongside and learning from the game's best player was as attractive as being coached by Wayne Bennett.

But Wallace, who made his NSW representative debut for City against Country last Friday, has so far played more time with utility David Stagg at five-eighth than with Lockyer who's immediate future is clouded by continued soreness in his reconstructed right knee.

Wallace was amazingly relaxed about the pressure on his inexperienced young shoulders while Lockyer rehabs.

After just a handful of NRL games, Wallace appears to have solved Brisbane's long-term halfback headache caused by the retirement of Allan Langer.

He's even played well enough to force his way into contention for the NSW Origin halfback job along with several other No.7 hopefuls.

"I've only heard things on the radio and on TV but hopefully he'll be alright," said Wallace when asked about losing Lockyer again.

"It was already going to be a tough couple of months with State of Origin coming up everyone has to dig in until her gets better.

"Everyone has to step up a bit. We don't have to change much, just go out and do our own jobs and do them well and I think we'll be right.

"It must be very frustrating for him and we all want him to get it right.

"We did alright at the start of the year when he wasn't their so hopefully we can get through this and he come back 100 per cent." Wallace said Stagg had done a great job filling in for Lockyer and they had developed a good relationship in the halves.

"He can play about five or six positions and he's really good to play with," said Wallace.

"He's a really good talker and a good organiser which helps take the pressure off.

"We'll be right." Brisbane could get forward leader Corey Parker (knee) back this week.

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