Footy is just around the corner, and Titans hooker Nathan Peats is more excited than ever after being selected to play in the Indigenous All-Stars team.
Peats will be playing in his fifth All Stars match, and believes the fixture is being played back where it belongs – at the Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” Peats said.
“It’s back up on the Gold Coast where I played my first game. I’m looking forward to playing in front of friends and family.
“I think my first game was in 2012. That was my first rep jersey as well, and it was very special.
“To be back up here, I think it’s where it belongs. Especially with Preston being up here as well, it’s a pretty special place.”
The annual fixture always carries a lot of pride and passion with every player selected so proud to be representing their culture.
“Obviously you’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for your family,” Peats said.
“It’s massive for my partner as well. She’s half Maori as well. It’s massive for her family playing against them and then my kids being both. It’s a special night.
“Facing the haka is something you always want to do, I didn’t think I ever would. When you face it, and see how passionate they are, it’s a special night for both teams.”
With the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Cody Walker lining up for the Indigenous All-Stars, fans are expected to see plenty of exciting action.
“There is special talent in both sides, especially in our backline,” Peats said. “I think they are all representative players now. Both teams are pretty stacked.
“It’s not just a trial. A lot of trials, you normally just play 15-20 minutes but this match is a pretty solid 80 minute hit-out.”
