Peats’ long road to a Sky Blue jumper

Nathan Peats has had to tread a long and winding road to get to his NSW debut but he believes it couldn’t happen any other way.

The rugged No.9 has been afflicted by more than his fair share of misfortune during his NRL career however he is philosophical and stoic about accepting his lot in life.

The 26-year-old has been a fan favourite for years and considered the next in line for the Blues’ dummy-half role.

And while his career has at times stalled due to a series of injuries and incidents out of his control, he says they were all worth it in the end.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Peats said.

“I’m a big believer in fate. Hard work puts you in those positions.

“I was waiting in line ready to take that opportunity and that’s hopefully what I’m going to do.”

His 2014 season was cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury and he missed the start of 2017 with a shoulder problem.

It appeared the injury, which forced him to sit out the first month-and-a-half of the NRL season, was set to rob him of the chance to push for a Blues spot.

But in a twist of fate Peter Wallace went down injured on the weekend, handing the Gold Coast No.9 his first representative jumper.

That he’s even playing for the Titans is something he didn’t see coming.

He was happily plying his trade for Parramatta when the salary cap crisis struck and he fell on his sword and departed the club so that the blue and golds could play for premiership points.

He was offered a home at the Titans and will now next week fulfil a childhood dream to run out for NSW.

“Every footy player has setbacks in their footy career, I’m just another one of them,” he said.

“A lot of hard work has paid off. I’m excited to be here and happy to be here but I’ve still got to repay the faith.”

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