Peats Origin flak fires up Brennan
TITANS coach Garth Brennan has launched a passionate defence of Nathan Peats, saying his hooker is built for Origin and should be in the conversation for the Blues.
Peats made his Origin debut last year and was lauded after the Blues’ Game One win, having covered the most ground in Origin history (8.1km) and made 53 tackles.
But after NSW lost the series, the Titans rake seemed to be suddenly on the nose and has not been mentioned among candidates for the No.9 jersey this year, with South Sydney’s Damien Cook, Cameron McInnes from the Dragons and Manly’s Api Koroisau the favourites to claim the spot.
“I think it’s been pretty harsh, the talk and the criticism of Nathan,” Brennan said.
“I think he’s made for Origin, to be honest.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s passionate, he puts his body on the line.
“It depends how Freddy (NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler) wants to play, I suppose, but I think criticism of Nathan Peats has been harsh.
“I think he’d do a fantastic job. I don’t think he did too much wrong last year and I think if he got the call-up, he’d put his heart and soul into that Blues jumper.”
Peats, who has a final chance to impress selectors when the Titans take on the Roosters in Gosford tomorrow, seems to have been a victim not only of the series result, but the Blues’ style of play last year.
After criticism of former hooker Robbie Farrah hogging ball-playing opportunities, NSW heavyweights wanted Peats to concentrate on distributing the ball to halves Mitchell
Pearce and James Maloney and relentless defence.
But with Peats’ running ability blasted, Brennan feels he is paying the price for following instructions.
“You’ve got to understand, it depends on what instructions he was under last year,” Brennan said.
“I heard reports that they just wanted a dummy-half that was going to feed the halfback.
“So you can’t ask that of the player and then criticise him because he doesn’t run.
“If he’s under instructions from the coach to pass off the ground and give early service to the halfbacks and let them do their job, then he’s done his job.
“If you want him to go out there and run, then I’m sure Peatsy would do that.
“When I ask him to run, he runs – he does everything I ask him to do. And he did what he was asked last year, so I don’t think he can be criticised too much on the back of not running last year.”
Brennan also said Titans captain Ryan James deserved to be in the conversation for a Blues spot.