Peacock back for Leeds

Wednesday 3rd February 2010

England captain Jamie Peacock, installed as favourite to be named Man of Steel this year, will return to the Leeds Rhinos team for Friday's opening home game against Castleford.

The front rower was rested, along with full-back Brent Webb, for last week's opening game at Crusaders but Rhinos coach Brian McClennan confirmed that both players will make their first appearances of 2010.

Peacock, who was Man of Steel in 2003 after leading Bradford to Grand Final glory, is 8/1 with William Hill to reclaim the prestigious title, with Warrington captain Adrian Morley and St Helens skipper Keiron Cunningham the joint second favourites at 10/1.

Utility forward Ian Kirke is the man to make way from the Leeds side that beat Crusaders 34-6, while World Cup winner Greg Eastwood will make his home debut.

"The return of Peacock and Webb gives them a little bit more strength but the 17 they put out last week was pretty handy," said Castleford coach Terry Matterson.

Matterson has drafted in young forward John Davies for what would be his Super League debut after losing the experienced Ryan Clayton with an arm injury in training.

"Ryan is very unlucky," he said. "He has had a very solid off season and was going well. He himself is gutted but he should be back in a couple of weeks.

"But I have no qualms about bringing John Davies into the squad. At the start of our off-season training we wouldn't have thought that he would be ready but he has done well in the trial games and done some good work in training."