JAMES SUSPENSION HANDS LEADERSHIP TO PEATS
GARTH Brennan has backed Nathan Peats as Titans captain after the NSW Origin hooker was promoted in Ryan James’s absence for Gold Coast’s trip to Penrith.
James copped a onematch suspension for his hit on Manly pivot Lachlan Croker last weekend, leaving the Titans in need of a standin skipper tomorrow against the Panthers.
Coach Brennan has found the answer in Peats.
“Nathan Peats will be captain,” he confirmed to the Bulletin.
“Nathan is obviously experienced, he’s played Origin. He’s one of the fiercest competitors in our football team and he leads by his actions.
“He’s a very good talker. The boys respect him and respond to him, so I think he is a logical choice to jump in there as captain this weekend.
“He has always thought of himself as a bit of a leader … I think he embraces that extra responsibility.”
Brennan said secondrower Kevin Proctor would step up to the plate during the game at Panthers Stadium if Peats is off the field at any stage and noted there were plenty of other leadership options available.
“There’s also Michael Gordon, who has got a lot of experience, and I think Ash Taylor is a captain in the future as well at some stage.”
Hard man Will Matthews is firming to return from injury after missing the Manly match.
“If he gets through captain’s run (today) OK, he will play,” Brennan said, adding the remainder of the 21-man squad was fully fit.