Nathan Peats is revelling in life at Parramatta after putting a tough year with South Sydney firmly behind him.
A former captain of Souths under-20s, Peats broke into the NRL side in 2011, carving out a reputation as a hard-hitting utility player.
Injuries and suspensions to Issac Luke saw him start nine games at hooker in 2012 and Peats was rewarded with a new three-year deal by the club at the start of last season.
However, it proved to be his only highlight of 2013, as he was given limited game time off the bench by coach Michael Maguire, then dumped to reserve grade.
He did return in July but a defeat at Melbourne in August proved to be last time Peats donned the myrtle and green as Maguire once again wielded the axe.
“I had three years at Souths and in 2011 and 2012 I had a lot of minutes,” he told AAP.
“Last year was a very hard year mentally. That’s why I had to leave. At this stage of my career I need to be playing first grade and that wasn’t going to happen at Souths.”
Peats admits departing a club competing for a premiership for one that have won the last two wooden spoons wasn’t an easy decision.
However, the opportunity to be a regular 80-minute player and helping turn around the famous old club’s fortunes proved to be the right sort of challenge for 23-year-old.
“I think I’ve made the right move and I’m pretty happy so far,” he said.
“I am enjoying playing in this team, we’ve only had four games together but we feel we’re growing.”
The only game Peats has missed this year was the Eels’ 56-4 drubbing by the Sydney Roosters due to suspension.
Since returning from that NRL imposed one-game ban for an off-field issue dating back to last year, Peats form’s has been impressive, scoring in back-to-back games against Manly and Penrith, who were downed 32-16 on Saturday,
“It’s not been a bad season so far, two from two and we went so close against Manly. We could we be sitting on six points right now,” he said.
“We’re still a work in progress but we’re heading in the right direction.”
Eels coach Brad Arthur has been won over by his hooker, who clocked up 51 tackles in the win over the Panthers.
“He’s had three strong performances for us,” Arthur said.
“His work rate, work ethic and will to win is unbelievable.
“He just doesn’t give up.”
