Losing on Wednesday night hasn't deterred Nathan Peats from wanting to finish his career in Queensland after the Blues hooker declared that he wants to become a Titan for life.
Fresh from playing in all three games in his first State of Origin series, Peats has inked a new three-year deal to stay at the Titans until at least the end of the 2020 season but indicated immediately that he would like to extend his tenure beyond that.
A mid-season recruit in 2016 when the Parramatta salary cap dramas effectively forced him out of the club, Peats was welcomed immediately into the Titans fold and in 22 games has established himself as a critical member of the team.
After suffering a dislocated shoulder in a pre-season game the Titans have been victorious in five of the eight games they have played with Peats in the team, their top-eight aspirations in for a stern test against the Sharks at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night.
Nathan and partner Jade welcomed their second child in the days leading up to Origin III and after declaring himself a certain starter to face the Sharks said that he hoped it was the first of many more games for the Titans.
"I want to stay up here long-term. Even after this contract expires I'd like to stay up here and live up here after footy," Peats said prior to Friday's captain's run.
"It's a wonderful place and a great community.
"I wanted to stay but you never rule out any options. I'm grateful for the Titans for helping me out through the Parramatta situation and I wanted to repay them and try and play some good footy this year.
"They helped me out a lot last year and I've really enjoyed it up here. Especially with all that Parramatta drama last year they helped me out a lot and I wanted to repay them."
Injuries have prevented Peats from playing at least 20 games in a season since he made his debut with South Sydney in 2011 but his fiercely competitive nature has given the Titans an extra edge on the training park.
Earmarked as a potential Blues No.9 for a number of years, Peats was finally given his opportunity in Game One this year and said he has grown in confidence knowing that he can compete at that level.
"The pleasing thing is that I know I can handle that kind of arena, with the physicality and the fitness of it," said the 26-year-old.
"There's obviously things I need to work on from those three games and disappointed that I didn't offer much in attack on the third game but playing behind a beaten pack was quite tough on Wednesday night.
"There are a few things I'd like to work on if I ever got the opportunity again but I can't fault my effort.
"I believe I tried 100 per cent in all three games and I'm proud of that and hopefully I get a chance to wear that jersey again and improve on what I did this year."
With the signing of Peats the Titans now have four of their key playmakers locked up for next season and coach Neil Henry believes the retention of their hooker is a "key part of the puzzle".
"He's been a tremendous competitor, playing at the State of Origin level is great experience for him, he's in that part of his career where he's really consistent with his footy and he's confident in what he can do," Henry said.
"He's a great trainer so he fits the mould there for the future of the club.
"It's a good long-term signing for the club."
