Leeds Rhinos top-10 greats - No 6 Jamie Peacock
Peacock is at number six on our list, ahead of Eric Harris (in 10th spot), Joe Thompson (nine), John Atkinson (eight) and Mick Shoebottom, at seven.
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Number six: Jamie Peacock.
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As Peacock would be the first to admit, more skilful players have pulled on Leeds’ blue and amber jumper over the years, but few - if any - could equal his drive, determination and will to win.
Peacock was the ultimate Super League warrior, collecting a record nine Grand Final winner’s rings, three of them with Bradford Bulls before joining Leeds ahead of the 2006 campaign.
A product of the Stanningley amateur club, Peacock was a second-rower during the first part of his career, but became the most forceful prop in the European game during his time with Leeds.
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Hide AdHe was at the heart of Rhinos’ 2014 and 2015 Challenge Cup final wins - having twice beaten Leeds in finals for Bradford - and also collected a brace of league leaders’ shield victories and two world titles while a Rhinos player.
Though never captain of his hometown club, Peacock was a hugely influential on-field leader, alongside skipper Kevin Sinfield and a crucial figure in the changing room.
A match-winner through sheer force of personality, Peacock’s unbreakable resolve was particularly crucial in 2015 as a weary and injury-hit side somehow found the strength to not only claw their way to Old Trafford, but also fight back to defeat Wigan Warriors when the tank was almost empty.
Named in Super League’s Dream Team 11 times, Peacock made 288 appearances for Leeds and was capped 47 times for Great Britain and England.
Man of Steel in 2003, he was awarded an MBE nine years later and retired - but for a brief comeback with Hull KR - after the 2015 treble-clinching Grand Final triumph.