Overnight wrap

Leading player manager Allan Gainey has become embroiled in a slanging match with Penrith after accusing Panthers coach Matthew Elliott of being two-faced in his dropping of Peter Wallace.

Gainey, who manages Wallace, claimed Elliott had given different reasons for dropping the rookie five-eighth, who has signed with Brisbane for next season. Gainey claims Elliott told Wallace that he wasn't dropped because of poor form before saying it was because of form when questioned by reporters.

Wallace has been named to play out of position in the centres in Premier League. After initially contemplating asking for a release, Wallace has told his manager and his coach that he will see out the season with the Panthers.

Elsewhere, Craig Wing has described his impending return to South Sydney as destiny after accepting a personal invitation from Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe to rejoin the club.

Wing yesterday put pen to paper on a four-year deal which will see the Sydney Roosters hooker return to the club where he made his debut in 1998. Wing says he gave serious consideration to accepting an offer to switch to rugby union before electing to join Souths.

Hollywood star Crowe revealed Wing had rung him to see if the Bunnies were interested in his services from which point negotiations began. Wing was forced to leave the Rabbitohs in 2000 when the club was kicked out of the NRL.