State of Origin 2017: Nathan and Jade Peats set to welcome baby son

WHY wouldn’t Nathan Peats be optimistic? They say good things come in threes and the Blues hooker is set to welcome a baby son into the world, sign a new contract and win an Origin series.

KINGSCLIFF, AUSTRALIA — JULY 04: Nathan Peats during the New South Wales Blues State of Origin media opportunity at Salt Beach on July 4, 2017 in Kingscliff, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

THREE weeks ago, NSW rookie Nathan Peats stood in front of his teammates crying as he explained what the Blues jersey meant to him.

In the next few days, the 26-year-old could again be overcome with emotion, this time inside a maternity ward holding his newborn son.

In what may prove to be the most memorable week of his life, Peats could celebrate the birth of his second child, a NSW Origin series victory and a new three-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans.

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio, Dean Ritchie and Fatima Kdouh take you inside Camp Blues including the latest on the Tyson Frizell injury

You can also subscribe to League Central via the iTunes store

Peats has been granted special permission by the NSW coaching staff to leave Blues camp at any moment, with partner Jade due to give birth on Wednesday.

Thankfully for Peats, Jade will check into a Gold Coast hospital, just 15 minutes from the Blues’ Kingscliff training base.

Peats was remarkably calm about the prospect of rushing to his partner’s side should their baby boy arrive in the middle of the Blues’ crucial countdown towards the Origin series decider.

“She’s relaxed about it and so am I,’’ Peats said. “My mum is flying up and her mum is coming up and my dad and his wife live up here, so she’ll be well supported.

Peats has been granted permission to leave Origin camp if need be.

“The coaching staff know that if I have to go, I have to go. If I have to have a day off everyone is fine.’’

“I am pretty cruisy. When he is ready to come, he will come.’’

Peats’ roommate in camp, Andrew Fifita, is also expecting the birth of a child, his third. Fifita’s wife Nikki is due next Thursday, the day after Origin III.

Peats has a history of juggling his ‘work’ commitments with parenthood.

His first child Lleyton arrived just three days before round one of the 2015 NRL season.

“My first son was 10 days overdue, we had to induce him on the Tuesday night, so I could play round one,’’ Peats said. “So this time, I’ll just play it by ear.’’

Peats is set to sign a new three-year deal with the Titans.

Peats, who will announce he has re-signed with the Titans until 2020 in coming days, smiled when asked about his amazing year to date.

“They say good things come in threes, so hopefully it works out that way,’’ Peats said.

“I’m looking to get that (contract) sorted before Origin III.

“My manager has done a good job and I’m happy with where it gone and where I’ve got too.’’

Peats, one of only a handful of NSW players to escape criticism after the Blues’ loss in game two, said he found holes in his game where other may not have.

“I need to improve, I know that,’ Peats said. “Every chance I get to represent NSW, I want to do that.’’