Peats extends Gold Coast stay to 2020

Jul 14, 2017 - 4:11 AM NSW hooker Nathan Peats has spurned interest from rival NRL clubs to sign a three-year contract extension with Gold Coast.

The 26-year-old, who made his State of Origin debut in game one this year, will remain with the Titans until the end of the 2020 season.

Peats landed on the Gold Coast after being off-loaded by Parramatta mid-2016 as they scrambled to address a salary cap scandal.

There were whispers he could return to the Eels and his agent said in April at least two clubs were keen to acquire his services.

Peats, who welcomed the birth of his second child last week, has played 21 of his 110 NRL games for the Titans after beginning his career with South Sydney in 2011.

"It's been a big year but with everything now sorted, I'm looking forward to focusing on the remainder of this season and my future here with the Titans," Peats said.

The La Perouse product was brilliant for NSW on his Origin debut, replacing long-time hooker Robbie Farah, before falling away in the series as Queensland won the last two games.

Despite the Titans sitting 14th with six wins, Peats was confident the future was brighter.

Peats said he was always intending to remain on the Gold Coast and even has an eye on his long-term future.

"I'm grateful for the Titans for helping out through Parra situation, and I've wanted to repay them," he said.

"I want to stay up here long term. Even after this contract expires I'd like to stay up here and live up here after footy. It's a wonderful place and a great community."

Titans coach Neil Henry lauded Peats signature as "a key part of the puzzle".

"It's great for the club," he said.

"He's a tremendous competitor, and playing at the State of Origin level is a great experience for him. He fits the mould there for the future of the club."

Henry also confirmed the club was in talks with former Titan and current Manly prop Brenton Lawrence about a possible return.

"(Lawrence) is a chance," Henry said. "Nothing has been signed yet, but he's certainly a player we've talked to and he's expressed some interest to come back to the Coast."

Source: AAP






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