Resourceful Samoan representative Dominique Peyroux has described his move to the forward pack as a challenge after starting in the back row for his club the Warriors a fortnight ago.
Capable of playing in the centres or on the wing, Peyroux's recent foray into the back row appears to be Samoa's gain with a post-season Four Nations berth on the line against Fiji on Saturday night at Sportingbet Stadium.
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With the likes of Daniel Vidot, Young Tonumaipea, Ricky Leutele and Krisnan Inu named to play alongside the humble 25-year-old, Peyroux has been handed the No.12 jersey for Samoa – a move likely first cooked up during his time with the Titans.
"I think when I put on a bit more size up in Queensland; I was playing for the Tweed Head Seagulls and I think that they found me a bit more dangerous and offered more impact a few positions inside so they tried me out and I went well obviously and I stuck with it," Peyroux tells NRL.com.
"I usually play centre but obviously [Warriors coach] Andrew [McFadden] has faith in me to play in the second-row position. It's tough though, man. It's physically demanding and mentally as well. You just have to keep pushing for those five minutes and listen to the boys outside you. You get fatigued but I'm up for the challenge."
Peyroux's story is an interesting one, and while he is set to lace up for Samoa for the first time this Saturday, his heart seems set on representing New Zealand at some point after describing his return to the Warriors last year as a dream, following his move to Australia at the tender age of 15.
"I guess at the age of 12 all my friends were playing rugby league so obviously I wanted to join them and when I was 15 I just thought there was just too much talent here trying to make that one team so I thought I'd take that risk of moving to Australia and taking my opportunities there," Peyroux explains.
"I never thought I'd come back and play for the Warriors. I've got a lot of passion for this club and it's just good to be back. It's been good to be home, I've grown up watching the Warriors so it's been a dream come true."
With the emotional Peyroux coming off-contract at the Warriors, his willingness to work hard for another crack at the big show next year shines through, and his appearance for Samoa will only help his cause – whether it means he remains in New Zealand or not.
"I want to stay consistent with my performance and give it my all every game – playing every game as if it's my last because it possibly can be. I'm off-contract so the main goal is to get a contract whether it be here or back in Australia again. I'm happy back home so I'm trying my hardest to get a new contract," Peyroux notes.
"You got to stay hungry. I've always been hungry; I've always been a hard-worker. That's what's got me here. I may not have as much talent as these bigger boys but I'll just work my arse off."
