With his career at Penrith nearing an end, Panthers favourite Tyrone Peachey hopes he can go out a premiership winner before he starts a new chapter at the Gold Coast Titans next season.
Following five seasons at the Panthers, the 26-year-old utility announced he would be moving to the holiday strip in 2019 after signing a massive three-year deal reportedly worth $1.5 million.
Speaking with the Weekender this week, Peachey said he’ll miss playing with the Panthers but is looking forward to a new challenge next season.
“It was a tough decision, not being here next year will be pretty weird. I’ve been here for the last five or six years, and not rocking up to this place will be a bit different,” he said.
“The move kind of had to happen and I’m happy with going up there. It’s a good team and it looks like they’re growing. They got the win last weekend, they look pretty happy and all looks good up there.”
But before he leaves, Peachey is determined to finish his career at Penrith on a high. He’s already close to securing his first State of Origin jumper and he’d love to win a premiership as well.
“That’s all I want to do is leave this place on a good note,” he said.
“Penrith have been nothing but great to me and my little family. Hopefully we can keep going as well as we are and do something special at the end of this year.”
In the meantime, Peachey is eagerly awaiting to hear if his excellent start to 2018 has paid off with a spot in Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues team for Origin I in Melbourne.
One final good performance against the top of the table Dragons this Saturday night at Panthers Stadium will almost certainly secure the Indigenous All Star a place on Freddy’s bench. With Fittler now at the helm, Peachey feels this is his best chance for a sky blue jumper.
“I think there’s a new era in the Blues and it’s good Freddy said he’ll pick the side on form,” Peachey said.
“That kind of opened it up and gave me a bit of hope at the start of the year.
“I just tried to play consistent footy for the club and do my best to get us in the position that we are in. If Origin comes with that, that would be pretty cool. I’m just trying to put myself in the conversation.”
It’s quite evident, based on his commentary over the years, that Fittler is a huge fan of Peachey as he brings energy and enthusiasm to every position that he plays.
After being coached by Fittler in numerous City Origin camps over the years, Peachey is also fond of the 1991 premiership winner.
“I’ve always liked him as a coach. He simplifies the game and I think I can complement his brand of footy,” Peachey said.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
