Parramatta Eels' Indigenous star Nathan Peats could be on the way out of the club following the club's salary cap crisis.
The club needs to shed players to get under the NRL’s salary cap and be eligible to play for competition points again and the City Origin hooker is one name reportedly being shopped around to rival clubs.
Whilst it was originally hoped the retirement of veteran Anthony Watmough would bring Parramatta the salary cap relief it needed, Watmough’s retirement will not be backdated by the NRL, and therefore does not completely alleviate the Eels cap problem.
Hooker is a position where the Eels have depth, with Peats, Isaac De Gois, Kaysa Pritchard and Cameron King on the club’s books.
Nathan Peats during the round two NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the North Queensland Cowboys at Pirtek Stadium. Source: Getty Images
It was believed that the club would look to offload a veteran like De Gois or an up and comer like Pritchard, however rival clubs are more interested in a move for Peats.
Peats, a standout for City Origin on Sunday and is the leading candidate to eventually remove Robbie Farah from the New South Wales hooker position.
It’s thought the Gold Coast Titans are an option for Peats, with the club having some money to spend in their salary cap this season. Titans hooker Nathan Friend is in the twilight of his NRL career, whilst Matt Srama is not seen as a long term option, after being allowed to leave for the Sydney Roosters last season, before reneging.
Peats spoke at a media conference on Tuesday, before news broke regarding his possible departure, however the 25-year-old remains committed to the Eels cause.
Nathan Friend in action for the Gold Coast Titans. Source: Getty Images
“I’m not sure of the situation I’m in. My job is to be the number nine for this team, that’s what I’m focusing on this week.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Parramatta and I intend to keep enjoying my time here. I love this club, I love playing for the members and the fans.”
