Peacock relishing Leeds comeback

Peacock was injured a week before last season’s Challenge Cup final

Former Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock says he is relishing his comeback from a seven-month lay-off when Leeds meet Castleford on Friday.

The Rhinos prop is returning from a knee injury he sustained in the same fixture last August.

The 33-year-old said: “It does seem like a long time ago but the last eight weeks have been the worst.

“It was great to see Danny McGuire making his comeback last week and now I just want to get back out there.”

Rhinos stand-off McGuire returned to action in Leeds’ 34-16 victory over Crusaders on Easter Monday after his own seven-month absence.

And Peacock spoke of his relief at finally being given the all clear after surgery.

“I was back running and joining in at training but I had not been given the green light to play again,” he explained.

“Thankfully that day has come now and I can not wait.”

Leeds made a slow start to the Super League season, losing five of their opening 10 matches but two wins over the Easter programme mean they now sit just four points behind league leaders St Helens.

“My focus is on trying to help the team and doing what I can to help us move up the table,” Peacock continued.

“It has been frustrating this season because the team have had it tough but we had two great wins over Easter and hopefully we can build on that on Friday night.”

Peacock, who captained England before the injury, also set his sights on regaining his place in the national squad ahead of the match against Exiles at Headingley on 10 June.

“I definitely want to be involved in that game and it is up to me to prove my fitness to Steve McNamara.

“I am massively excited by the concept and when you speak to other players, everyone is looking forward to it.”

And England coach McNamara is delighted with Peacock’s imminent return.

“It’s fantastic news for Jamie,” he commented. “He’s worked extremely hard in rehabilitation over the last few months and I know he’s chomping at the bit to get back out on the field.

“I have been in regular touch with both Jamie and Danny McGuire and am delighted that they’re both back. They are world class players with considerable international experience who have important roles to play for both club and country.”

McNamara is hoping the players’ absence will leave them fresh for the seasons’ international fixtures.

“I know it may sound selfish but from an England point of view it’s going to be great to have two players as fresh as Jamie and Danny who are available for selection for the match against the Exiles and the Four Nations.

“They’ve missed 11 or 12 rounds of Super League and though that’s been frustrating for them and Leeds, the silver lining is that come the end of the year they are going to be pretty sharp.”