Electric utility Tyrone Peachey is pleased he’s been backed by Andrew Johns to play a “Craig Wing-style” of role for the NSW VB Blues, but most importantly he hopes he has the attention of Laurie Daley.
Peachey, one of the most versatile players in the competition, is no stranger to the representative arena, having played three games for KARI City and three games for the Indigenous All Stars – and he’s keen to pull on the sky blue of his state.
Johns’ pre-season comments filled Peachey with confidence heading into 2017.
“It’s awesome to have an Immortal talk about you like that,” Peachey tells NSWRL.com.au.
“It’s always been a goal to play Origin and it would mean the world to me, I tried to put in a good performance for City on the weekend and all I can do is try and have a good couple of games in the next two weeks.
“Hopefully I can get Laurie’s attention.”
Peachey has been playing at centre for the Panthers this year, but it’s no secret he can play almost any position on the park.
That versatility gives him a distinct advantage among VB Blues’ bench candidates and, while he admits he is enjoying playing in the backline, Peachey would be happy with a spot in the 17.
“I really enjoy centre, but coming off the bench is alright as long as I’m getting good minutes, but I’ll do whatever is best for the team,” Peachey says.
“I’ve been going alright this year, hopefully we can get a few wins at the Panthers to make my case a lot better.
“There’s a few people out there that are chasing that Origin spot, it’s up to Laurie but it would be a pretty good experience.”
Fresh off representing KARI City in the final ever Country-City fixture, Peachey admits the week-long camp was the week he and his Penrith teammates needed in order to shake off a string of poor results to start the year.
He credits coach City coach Brad Fittler for the enjoyable trip to Mudgee, and will take confidence out of the win leading into these next two club games which are crucial for both the Panthers and Peachey’s Origin case.
“It was a great week, ‘Freddy’ (Fittler) made sure everyone had fun,” Peachey says.
“There was a smile on everyone’s face and I think all of the Penrith boys needed it to get away for a few days.
“Hopefully we can take the confidence of the win into next week.”
