How Nathan Peats came back from a broken neck

PARRAMATTA Eels hooker Nathan Peats has revealed how he managed to recover from a broken neck in just six months ahead of his return with the Eels this weekend.

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HE still bears the thick surgical scar from his broken neck but Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats insists he won’t carry any psychological damage into the Eels’ trial against Penrith on Saturday.

Peats showed off the mark surgeons made to operate on the C6 vertebrae which he fractured in a heavy tackle against the Sydney Roosters last August.

Despite being told by one doctor he “may never be the same again”, Peats says he has approached his recovery with the same arrogance he showed when playing a further 36 minutes with the broken neck.

The surgical scar that resulted from treatment for a broken neck is visibly seen on Nathan Peats. Picture: Brett Costello

“It didn’t really faze me,” Peats said.

“I probably took it all in an arrogant way. I had to go into the recovery with that attitude because of the type of personality I have.”

Peats placed his head in the wrong position when attempting to tackle Roosters hardpan Siosiua Taukeiaho in the 44th minute of their round 23 clash. Incredibly, the gritty hooker completed the game and went on to finish with 59 tackles.

With 10 minutes to play Peats made an unsuccessful attempt to stop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as the Roosters prop stormed to a try.

“It was hurting,’’ Peats said. “I knew something wasn’t right, but that’s footy.”

To most footballers, the unexpected news of a broken neck would be enough to question their future in the game.

Peats’ neck was fractured when he tried to prevent Jared Waerea-Hargreaves scoring a try for the Roosters in round 23 last year.

Peats’ reaction?

“I was more disappointed in missing the last three game of the year than I was the ramifications of the injury,” he said.

It’s that exact attitude that has Peats primed for a comeback just six months after sustaining the injury.

Although he could be forgiven for easing into his return, the Eels rake has wasted no time in ensuring he is at full fitness.

“I honestly don’t care, I’m ready to tackle someone this weekend,” he said.

Instead, it’s a different spine that’s been on Peats’ mind.

Nathan Peats will make his return from a broken neck this Saturday.

The 25-year-old will make his return when he lines up alongside Michael Gordon, Kieran Foran and Corey Norman for the first time at Pepper Stadium.

After much hype surrounding the arrival of Kieran Foran, Peats has revealed the Kiwi international has made an immediate impact.

“Foran’s that good a player, he’s world class, he’s going to gel with any type of player”.

“Having Fozzy has helped Normy out a lot. He doesn’t have to be the organiser anymore. He can float around while Foz does his organising,” he said.

The Eels unveiled their first Indigenous jersey on Tuesday.

Completing the attacking core is NSW Country representative Michael Gordon. After three seasons in the Shire, the former Shark will fill the vacant fullback role left by Will Hopoate.

With Luke Kelly demoted to reserve grade, Gordon is expected to take up goalkicking duties and looks the perfect man to complete a spine that can take the club to their first finals appearance since 2009.

Saturday night’s trial will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 from 7pm.

Originally published as How Nathan Peats came back from a broken neck