Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Nathan Peats says the Eels are determined to prove their gritty win over the 2014 Premiers was more than a fluke when they take on Wests Tigers on Easter Monday at ANZ Stadium.
After a rocky road with injury in 2014, including surgery on both his knee and shoulder, the tenacious number 9 returned to the field for the Eels’ final trial match in February, before playing in all 4 Blue and Gold NRL clashes.
And Peats’ mood has only been improving since the birth of his son, Leyton, in early March.
“It’s just good to be back playing footy,” Peats said.
“The body’s feeling a lot better, and I’m feeling a lot better mentally and physically. I think i’m just adapting a bit better this year.”
“My knee’s feeling good, and my shoulder’s nearly there. It doesn’t affect me playing footy, when I’m on the field it’s 100%.”
“It’s refreshing having that (a new baby) outside of footy, it’s making me a lot happier, that’s for sure.”
While Peats points to the Round 4’s win as one of the most satisfying of his career so far, the Eels and their Head Coach are focussed firmly on Easter Monday’s match up with the Wests Tigers.
“It was probably one of the of the best feelings I’ve had in footy, playing against my ex-club,” Peats said.
“And it was such a good experience playing in front of my son for the first time.”
“We’ve got to prove that it wasn’t a fluke again this week, and it’s going to be a good game on Monday. They’re a good young spine with Farah leading the ship there, and a big forward pack."
“They’re a good side and they’re doing pretty well at the moment; obviously a disappointing loss for them on the weekend. but they’ll be ready against us.”
“Hopefully there’s a big crowd there like there was last year.”
Family tickets to our Easter Monday blockbuster against the Wests Tigers start from just $40 for a family of 4, and all Membership and tickets include integrated public transport to and from ANZ Stadium. Click through to get your tickets to the game, and plan your trip. NRL kicks off at 3pm.
