While some could only dream of making the journey from bush footy player to the international scene, Tyrone Peachey was anything but overjoyed when Australia took on New Zealand last weekend.
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The Wellington Cowboys junior is part of Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos side after a stellar final season with the Penrith Panthers, one that involved a maiden Origin series.
However, he was overlooked for the Kangaroos clash with New Zealand and that has left him determined to earn a spot in the lineup for this weekend’s meeting with Tonga.
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"When he (Meninga) told me last week that I was 18th man it was pretty disappointing," Peachey said, he then had to watch Australia’s 26-22 loss from the sidelines.
"I took it to heart. It sucks not playing. I think being named in the Australian team and not playing is always going to be tough. But I'm still happy to be here.
"I was pretty devastated, being involved in the team. You always want to play."
Peachey has again been named in the No.18 jumper for Saturday's historic clash with Tonga, with Luke Keary at five-eighth despite suffering a concussion during the loss to the Kiwis.
Keary will be monitored throughout the week, with Peachey on standby to come onto the bench if Ben Hunt replaces the Sydney Roosters No.6.
"I suppose I have that x-factor coming off the bench and with what happened on the weekend with a few players going down, I think I've got a few positions covered," Peachey said of any potential involvement.
"You need that player on the bench who can play every position and I'm happy to do that."
The 27-year-old made his State of Origin debut for NSW this year when coming off the bench in their series victory, a promotion earned on the back of his play at five-eighth for Penrith earlier in the season.
Peachey is now expected to slot into the centres for the Gold Coast when he moves to the Titans next year.
