NRL 2021: Gold Coast Titans utility Tyrone Peachey wants to take the No.13 jersey

Tyrone Peachey has been dynamic playing off the bench, but the Titans utility admitted the game is ‘less enjoyable’ not starting – and he has his eyes on the No.13 jersey.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Tyrone Peachey of the Titans takes on the defence during the round nine NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the New Zealand Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium on July 10, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Origin star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui may be the Gold Coast’s man of the moment but that won’t stop Titans dynamo Tyrone Peachey from trying to pinch his No.13 jersey.

Peachey has declared he still wants to be the Gold Coast’s starting lock after being relegated to a bench utility in the opening rounds of the season.

Peachey has been dynamic off the pine for the Titans, registering big numbers playing in the forwards heading into Sunday’s clash against the Cowboys in Townsville.

But the former NSW Origin utility isn’t satisfied with watching the opening exchanges from the sideline and wants to be elevated into the starting 13.

Fa’asuamaleaui is one of the hottest prospects in the NRL, winning last year’s grand final with Melbourne and debuting for Queensland before joining the Titans.

But Peachey is intent on taking his No.13 jersey.

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Tyrone Peachey is keen to work his way back into the starting 13. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

“It’s not more enjoyable (coming off the bench), I prefer to start,” he said.

“The coach (Justin Holbrook) really thinks that’s best for the team so whatever he wants I do. It worked last week (win against Broncos) so hopefully it will this week.

“That’s been the game plan the coach wants. Tino, Wal (Jarrod Wallace) and Moe (Fotuaika) start and tire them out then I come on and try to beat them through the middle.

“There’s been competition all pre-season. I think that’s why there’s so much expectation at the club. We have a lot of depth now.

“My goal coming into the season was to start lock and it hasn’t gone away.”

Peachey, 29, has a lofty goal to unseat Fa’asuamaleaui but his determination bodes well for the Titans.

He has amassed 99m and 114m in the opening two rounds to go with 21 and 30 tackles, proving he is having plenty of impact.

After a mediocre 2019 season at the Titans following his move from Penrith, Holbrook challenged Peachey to stand up last year and has been impressed by his reaction.

Titans No.13 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is the man of the moment. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

“I haven’t had to speak to him about it since last year, he has been great for us since,” Holbrook said.

“He finished the year great and has had a terrific pre-season. He’s working really hard.

“He understands there is competition for spots and is a big part of our side. Whether he starts or not he’s having a huge impact with the way he plays.

“He’s going to play that 55 minutes every week, whether it’s starting or not. He’s not an 80-minute player and I don’t expect him to be. He will play his role.”

Peachey made his Origin debut for the Blues in 2018 but his arrival at the Gold Coast was followed by the club collecting the wooden spoon.

He admits his debut season was “a shambles” but is enjoying life under Holbrook as he chases a new NRL contract.

“When we first came here it was a shambles,” Peachey said.

“Justin came and turned the whole club around. All the players have bought in.

“He’s given me my confidence back, I lost it there for a bit. He’s got full trust in my football capabilities. I’m excited this year.

“I’m off-contract and looking for a new contract so that’s inspired me a bit as well.

“It’s enjoyable now to see there’s so much expectation at the club. The coaches have told us to take it on and embrace it.

“You’d rather have people expecting you to win rather than lose. That’s the way we’re taking it this year.”