Peter Wallace admits he'll have to step up another level to fill retiring legend Darren Lockyer's Brisbane playmaking role next season.

It's the challenge the 25-year-old has set himself with the help of legendary former Broncos halfback Allan Langer.

Langer, one of the game's great ball-running No.7s, has been impressed with Wallace's progress in that department this year.

"I've got a lot more to learn yet," said Wallace, who outplayed young Kiwi sensation Shaun Johnson in Brisbane's 40-10 qualifying final win over the Warriors last weekend.

"Hook (coach Anthony Griffin) has really opened my eyes about how much more I do have to learn.

"My game is still developing and I know I've got a lot more improvement to make as a player.

"I'm getting there. I know I'll have to step up more next year when Darren is gone."

A classic low defender, Wallace took the ball to the defensive line at every opportunity against the aggressive Warriors.

It gave his skipper the luxury to sit back and pick his moments to strike.

"Pete's worked really hard on his running game over the last six months and it's just starting to show," said Langer, as the Broncos prepared for Saturday's big home semi-final against St George Illawarra.

"His defence has always been great but he's worked hard on the other parts of his game and also worked with Lockyer.

"It's coming in very handy.

"We're really happy with how Pete's going but we want to see a bit more out of him."

After carrying a bad shoulder injury through his 2009 finals campaign, Wallace wants to make the most of his second shot in Lockyer's retirement season.

He knows how fortunate he is to be able to work with an ex-player of Langer's class and knowledge.

"I've been working at training with Alf (Langer) and Hook (coach Anthony Griffin) and it's really helping," he said.

Langer dismissed any concerns over star centre Justin Hodges who was given an early mark from training to protect his hamstring from overload.

"Hodgo doesn't like training in the heat so he just went and had a cold bath," said Langer.

"There's no injury concerns. He pulled up a little sore and went inside out of the heat."

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