Nathan Peats makes move to France

Australian hooker Nathan Peats has joined French Elite Championship side Albi after failing to agree a new deal in Super League.

Peats, 29, came to the UK to join Leigh early in 2021, but ended up playing more games for Huddersfield with 12.

A stay at the Giants wasn’t possible due to quota restrictions, while talks with Salford broke down.

He revealed previously that a drop down to the Championship wasn’t of interest to him, and that he would move to France until at least the end of April.

The former New South Wales State of Origin hooker is hopeful of then attracting interest to return to Super League.

Peats played 159 matches in the NRL for South Sydney, Parramatta and Gold Coast Titans.

He also played against England for Tim Sheens’ Combined Nations All Stars side last season.

Albi take on Catalans Dragons’ reserve side St Esteve this weekend.

The Tigers squad includes Australian half-back Brad Wall and exciting young winger Nittim Pedrero.

They have won one of their three Elite 1 Championship games so far this season, beating Toulouse 31-22.

Vastly experienced

Peats moved to Huddersfield in July in part of a player-swap deal with Leigh that went wrong.

Giants hooker James Cunningham pulled out of a switch the other way, but Peats still made the move to the John Smith’s Stadium.

At the time, Huddersfield coach Ian Watson said: “Someone like Nathan Peats offers experience that is vital for the team.

MORE: Ian Watson provides Huddersfield squad update ahead of pre-season

“He offers 150 NRL games, he’s been picked for State of Origin; and he’s in an area of the field playing at hooker where you need a player who can lead a team around the park, and we believe Nathan Peats can do that.”

Unfortunately, Huddersfield’s recruitment has already taken them over the limit of overseas players and so Peats couldn’t be retained.

Full-back Olly Ashall-Bott is training with the Giants as talks continue about extending his contract, which expires at the end of November.