An unperturbed Nathan Peats says he has moved on from his unceremonious Eels exit and was grateful for his first hit-out as a Titan following their 28-24 win over the Panthers.
Peats came off the bench for the Titans and scored a crucial try midway through the second half to help keep his new team in touch with the Panthers – who led proceedings for the most part until Anthony Don's match-winning try in the 78th minute.
Peats admitted he had been nervous coming off from the bench – the first time he had done so in three years – but was happy to move on to the next stage of his career after managing just two first grade training sessions in the lead-up.
"There's no point dwelling on it. There were a few people who let me down there, not just the people on the board, but it's time to move on. I'm a grown man and I can get over things like that. I'm happy at the Titans," the 25-year-old said.
"I was pretty nervous actually. I haven't come off the bench in a couple of years so it probably made it worse for me. I had jelly legs out there and I felt really tired in the first half.
"But it was good to get out there and have a hit out. I'm fine with having to do what I have to do from now on in – whatever is best for the team."
Peats said the Titans had been truly welcoming – from the front office to the players he ran out with on to Pepper Stadium on Sunday.
"These boys have been really welcoming. The club has really welcomed me," he said.
"I rocked up to the airport with my partner and my son and the CEO was there, Brian Canavan, the media guy and the welfare bloke and all the important people at the club were there to welcome us so it's been really easy to fit in."
On the field, Peats declared the finals were still a goal for the Titans and their four-point win over Penrith was important considering their upcoming trips to Darwin and Perth.
With a bye scheduled for Round 12, Peats will remain in Sydney for a couple of days to say his final farewells to family and friends – farewells which don't include a trip to Pirtek Stadium on Monday to see his former Parramatta team go around.
"I'm staying in Sydney to pack the rest of my stuff up. I'll go see some family and friends and head back up on Tuesday night," Peats said. "It's the final stages of getting everything out of Sydney."
This story first appeared on nrl.com.au
