Former NSW Origin captain Danny Buderus has heaped praise on Nathan Peats after his starring role in the VB Blues’ emphatic 28-4 victory in Origin I – and predicts he’s ready for another starring performance on Wednesday night.
Having led NSW to series victories in 2003 and 2004, Buderus knows better than most what it takes to deliver at the highest level, and he’s confident that Peats is primed for another stellar performance in Game Two.
“It was just all you would have wanted from Laurie Daley’s point of view and I’m sure from Nathan Peats’ point of view he would have been really happy with his performance,” Buderus told www.NSWRL.com.au.
Peats’ hard work was far from unnoticed, with his 53 tackles forming the cornerstone of one of the best NSW debuts in recent memory. While a heap of praise was given to his tireless defensive efforts, Buderus highlighted the smaller aspects of his game that played such an integral role in the Blues’ victory.
“He made no errors and took his opportunities to run, and more importantly he gave so much good ball to his halves,” Buderus said.
“In effect, his halves were giving good ball to their outside backs and back-rowers.”
Combining with James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce was always going to be a crucial part of the Blues’ attacking structures, and the former Blues captain believes that Peats’ style of play was a significant factor in the spine’s success.
“The best thing I think you could say is that he’s one of those guys who is not just going to give you a 7/10 [performance].
“He’s someone that steps out onto the field and you know what he’s going to bring.
“He has great defence, he competes and he wants to win. That’s some really good attributes to take him into the Origin arena.
“He played a huge role, and if he can replicate that [on Wednesday night] then I'm sure we’ll be talking about Nathan Peats for a lot of years to come.”
