Last weekend Brisbane's NSW Origin halfback in-waiting, Peter Wallace, just sat back and enjoyed the ride along with everyone else who watched Darren Lockyer stick it to his critics.

Lockyer's performance in Brisbane's 40-8 thumping of Parramatta was vintage, Wallace rating it as good as anything he's seen from the Broncos captain.

"It was probably one of the best performances I've seen from him, he had a blinder," said Wallace, who is hoping to be named in the City Origin team on Sunday night and then for NSW in the opening game of the State of Origin series in Melbourne early in June.

Wallace, whose performances have taken pressure off Lockyer, knew he was in for an easy night after his captain took control early.

"You just have to take a back seat and enjoy - he was on fire," said Wallace.

"You just sit back and admire the guy.

"He took the line on, he passed perfectly and his kicking game was great, it's the best he's played this year for sure."

Lockyer - who steps out against Newcastle on Saturday for his 300th premiership game for Brisbane - went into last week's clash aware of "talk" that his Queensland Origin jumper was on the line.

After setting up five of Brisbane's seven tries he said he hadn't taken any notice of the rumours and speculation.

"He was sharp at training last week, but he's been looking sharp at most sessions all year," said Wallace.

"He may have taken some of the criticism he copped into the game but he just played really well.

"You just have to let him take over when he's like that.

"He was in everything.

"When he sees something, he takes it. He's probably the best in the game at making the right decisions."

Wallace, who comes up against another potential Origin No.7 rival in the Knights' half Jarrod Mullen on Saturday night, said he felt privileged to be playing in Lockyer's 300th game.

"It's impressive, I'd love to do it but I don't know if I'll ever get there," said the 23 year-old.

Wallace is favourite to be named NSW halfback for the opening Origin game but he isn't over the line and knows the next month is crucial, with Mitchell Pearce and Mullen having admirers and backers.

"I've been going all right this year and I have to keep the form up this month and put my hand up for selection."

Wallace played the first two games last year but was disappointed he didn't get to play against Lockyer who missed the entire series with ongoing knee issues.

"I was looking forward to playing him last year but he didn't play," he said.

"If I get another shot this year and I get to play against him, it would be unreal."

Wallace's preference though is to play with Lockyer, not against him.

"I'd hate to be on the other team every week, he can cut you to pieces," he said.

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