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Emirates Western Force starting hooker Nathan Charles will continue his burgeoning career in Perth after committing to the club for at least the next two seasons.
Charles has enjoyed a breakout season in 2012 where he has started every match and consistently been one of the club’s best performers in an impressive forward pack. His efforts against the Stormers at nib Stadium last weekend earned Man of the Match honours.
After arriving in Perth as an injury replacement player during the 2010 season he has made massive strides forward and attracted the attention of national selectors with invitations to participate in Wallabies’ training camps.
Possessing an accurate throw and hard running style which makes him a valuable commodity in open play, Charles was keenly sought by competing franchises but chose to build on his 32 FxPro Super Rugby caps in Western Australia.
“The forward pack at the club is really tight bunch. I feel that I have been able to get the best out of myself by working alongside those guys,” Charles said.
“With front rowers like Pek Cowan, Kieran Longbottom and Salesi Ma’afu all committed to staying at the club for the long term I know we’ll have a formidable pack for years to come.
“Having good people around you is paramount to developing your own skills which ultimately will help the team. That is what I feel is here for me at the Emirates Western Force and I’m very happy to be able to extend my time at the club.
“Also the lifestyle in Perth is great, the weather is fantastic, the people are wonderful and I see this as the place that will not only be best for my rugby but also a place that I’ll proudly call home.”
Emirates Western Force Forwards Coach Nick Stiles said Charles had played a key role in the club’s strong set-piece results over the last couple of seasons and has plenty of upside still to show as he continues to mature.
“Nathan has made big improvements over the last two seasons and has a real appetite to get better with each outing and that is really exciting for the club moving forward,” Stiles said.
“His set piece skills, in particular his line-out throwing, has definitely been one of the major contributors to the increased success rates we’ve been able to achieve in that area of the game.
“We’ve seen Nathan grow as a rugby player and a person, he is respected within the group and has a real passion and commitment for what we’re all aiming to achieve here at the Emirates Western Force.”
Nathan Charles
Height: 183cm
Weight: 104kg
DOB: 09/01/1989
Club: University (WA) / Sydney University (NSW)
FxPro Super Rugby Caps: 32
FxPro Super Rugby Points: 5 (1t)
FxPro Super Rugby Debut: 2010 - Rd8 v Stormers, Perth