TEN years after being allowed to walk away, Penrith want Peter Wallace for life.

Plans are under way to keep Wallace at the foot of the mountains for good after revelations the new Panthers’ NRL skipper had begun a coaching course.

Just two weeks after coach Anthony Griffin appointment of Wallace as captain for the 2018 season, it is believed the NRL has already ticked off on the veteran’s post-career ambition.

“(Penrith boss Phil Gould) has already spoken to him about it and he’s very keen,” Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher told AAP.

Round 19

“He’s a Penrith boy right through. He’ll be tied up to the club for many years. So he’s going through the coaching course now, which has been approved by the NRL.”

The Panthers were in need of a new leader after the controversial exit of star Matt Moylan to Cronulla over the summer, which resulted in a player-swap with James Maloney.

However despite the 32-year-old Wallace having just one year left on his current deal, Griffin had no hesitation in handing the role to the former NSW State of Origin representative.

Wallace, who has already indicated a final contract in England is off the table, is likely to spend some time this year honing his coaching skills with the club’s junior development squads.

It is there where Wallace will also mentor future No.9 options Wayde Egan and Sione Katoa.

Penrith Panthers hooker Peter Wallace. Source: News Corp Australia

“He’ll finish his contract this year and, if he decides to retire — which he probably will — he’ll go straight onto the coaching staff,” Fletcher said.

“Everyone here loves him; the people of Penrith love him. He’d break his arm and it’d take six weeks to get back but he’d be back in three.

“He’d be good for all the young kids coming through — teach them how to be halfback; how to be a hooker; how to kick a ball. He’s got a lot of value to us.

“He’s got to do so many hours of coaching to eventually get ticked off. It’s part of the requirement into the future, transferring players over to a future position.”