Nathan Peats relishing Super League challenge with Leigh
Former State of Origin hooker Nathan Peats is excited to play in Super League with his new club Leigh.
The 30-year-old has joined the Centurions on the eve of the new Super League campaign.
Peats, who has made 159 NRL appearances for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans, is looking to use his experience at John Duffy’s side.
Peats told LCTV: “I’m really excited and my family is excited as well and I’m looking for a fresh start to come overseas and play some good footy hopefully.
“I like the style of footy over there. There is a lot of attack and there is a lot of good things over there now and a lot of the teams are stacked with quality players, so I’m looking forward to getting over there and playing some good footy and showing a bit of experience at the club.
“I’d love to come over and help out some of the younger guys and try and win some games and not just stay in Super League just by one spot, but to try and push our way into the semi-finals.
“I’m just a hard worker to be honest. I always focus on the one per centers and ripping in and a bit of contact too, I’ve never shied away from that. I’m looking forward to getting over there and tussling with some of the best players over there. There are some quality players in the Super League – English players and overseas players – so it is a quality comp. I’ve seen some of the team lists and there are some really stacked teams.”
Peats’ message to Leigh fans is: “Be ready to win some games. I’m confident in my ability but I’m also confident in the team.
“I heard the coach is a really smart coach. He was an ex-hooker/half-back so he has got some brains about him and I think the Leigh fans can expect some wins this year.
“We don’t just want to stay in the Super League by one spot, we want to be pushing for a finals spot so hopefully some nice wins this year.’
Peats, 30, will link up with his new team-mates next week, so he won’t feature in their opening game against Wigan on Friday night.
Duffy believes Peats will add plenty of experience to his side for their first season back in the top flight.
Duffy said: “He will bring a wealth of experience from the NRL. He has played Origin as well so he’ll bring that and he’ll help the young guys as well and I think he will do a great job for us throughout the season.
“It was experience and everything he has done over there in the NRL. He can play 80 minutes in the middle as well so he just gives us that bit more strength in the squad.
“We’ve only got two nines at the minute so if we go down with any injuries there, then we’d be struggling so he just adds value to us.”
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