“Back off” is Gold Coast rake Nathan Peats’ message to Jarrod Wallace’s critics as the Titans forward sweats on another chance from Queensland selectors.
Former NSW No.9 Peats has tipped Wallace to bounce back from his maligned State of Origin II display for Queensland in Sunday’s NRL clash with Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
Wallace ran just 44m from four carries in Origin II, after only 43m from five hit-ups in their series-opening loss in Melbourne.
Wallace gets a final chance against the Tigers to impress Maroons selectors before they name their squad on Monday for July 11’s dead rubber in Brisbane.
But Peats reckoned Wallace didn’t have to prove anything and asked for the media’s “harsh” treatment to stop.
“Just back off and leave him alone,” Peats said.
“People say why didn’t he get the metres (like in the NRL) but Origin is a completely different game.
“To go off stats and say, ‘He only made 40m’ … yeah, he would love to have more than than but … he worked hard on defence and did everything he could.
“I don’t know what more you want him to do.
“But he’s ready to go this week. Hopefully, he puts in a big performance and they give him one more chance.”
Peats said no one doubted Wallace’s work ethic at the Titans.
“Everyone knows how hard a worker he is. I think the media has been a bit harsh saying he is running crap metres,” he said.
“I just don’t think the (Maroons’) game plan suited J-Wal’s game the other day (game two).
“They were shifting and targeting down edges. The ball didn’t get shifted to him at times but I thought he worked hard.”
Peats reckoned Wallace wouldn’t be distracted by the critics despite all the flak for the Maroons’ 18-14 game two loss in Sydney.
“I don’t think he has a point to prove to the media because it’s more to yourself and your teammates,” he said.
“And we know how important he is to the team.”