Pay dispute won’t stop Nathan Peats sticking with Titans

THEY must stave off interest from two Sydney rivals to retain Nathan Peats, but the NSW Origin hopeful has some welcome good news for the Titans.

Nathan Peats made a welcome return to action for the Titans.

CLASSY hooker Nathan Peats says he has no plans to join Chris McQueen at the Titans exits despite a pay dispute which threatens his future at the club.

Peats made a welcome return from a shoulder injury against the Broncos last Friday night, overcoming a stomach bug and mental “demons” to star in the Titans’ narrow 24-22 defeat.

His energy around the rucks underlined his importance to the Titans, who must stave off interest from two Sydney rivals to retain the NSW Origin hopeful.

While the Titans have tabled a two-year offer, it is not palatable to Peats’ management as Parramatta make overtures to lure the rugged rake back to Sydney.

The Titans lost McQueen a fortnight ago after being trumped by a $1.2 million poaching bid from the Wests Tigers, but Peats is hoping to remain on the Gold Coast.

“I want to stay,” said Peats, who joined the Titans midway through last season after being a victim of the Eels’ salary-cap crisis.

Nathan Peats made a welcome return to action for the Titans.

“The Gold Coast is a beautiful place to live and I’m enjoying my time up here.

“I haven’t forgotten what the Titans did for me, they were really helpful with the whole situation (at Parramatta) last year so hopefully we can work something out.

“I’m leaving it to my manager and focusing on getting back on the field.

“I’m sure we can work something out in the next few weeks. I want to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

“The first step was to get back on the field so now that I’m back, hopefully I can stay fit, play well and get a new contract.”

After two months in the casualty ward, Peats made an instant impact against the Broncos, despite fearing he would be too crook to finish the derby.

He also spoke of his private mental battle coping with his latest injury saga, which raised questions about his durability in the NRL.

“I have been struggling with a stomach virus,” he said.

Nathan Peats fought back from a shoulder injury to take the field. Picture: Peter Wallis

“I felt pretty sick in the lead-up and it helped me in a way not thinking about my shoulder.

“It was good to get through the game and test the shoulder out.

“It’s been frustrating being out. My partner at home has helped me a lot.

“People who know me know I’m a rollercoaster personality, so when you get hurt and you’re missing footy, you fight some demons at home and some head-noise. But she and my son help me get through it all.

“I’ve worked really hard behind the scenes in the last eight weeks to get back on the park again.

“I did a lot of things behind closed doors. I’ve been through a few injuries but it’s more contact injuries and unfortunate stuff.

“I honestly believe I’m not injury-prone ... I’m confident I can stay on the field regularly.”

Originally published as Pay dispute won’t stop Nathan Peats sticking with Titans