Peacock reeling as he is ruled out of final by injury

The totemic prop, who was eagerly anticipating his first Wembley final a week on Saturday, was delivered the sickening and unexpected news yesterday afternoon following a visit to a knee specialist.

Peacock, 32, had crumpled to the ground in agony late on during Friday night's win at Castleford but managed to hobble to the dressing room with the aid of the Leeds physiotherapists and had reportedly said afterwards the collision had just been a heavy bang, allaying immediate fears he would miss the showpiece against Warrington.

However, as is often the case with cruciate ligament injuries, the lack of initial pain does not necessarily mean there is a lack of lasting damage and the lurking problem was uncovered by the subsequent scan.

Even Peacock's almost legendary powers of recovery can not avert a knee reconstruction although he will delay surgery until after August 28 in order to travel with the squad and use his influence to help Leeds's attempt for a first Challenge Cup success since 1999.

The loss of the inspirational forward will also be a severe blow for Leeds in their attempt to retain their Super League title for a fourth successive season while England coach Steve McNamara must begin the search for a new captain ahead of the Four Nations tournament in Australia and New Zealand this autumn.

"I am stunned to be out of action for six to eight months," said Peacock, who had played such a crucial role in the semi-final victory over St Helens,

creating Danny McGuire's match-winning try.

"It has been a bit bewildering, if I am honest, as the injury did not feel any worse than previous knocks but the scans have revealed the worst possible news.

"Personally, it is obviously very disappointing and it just goes to show how cruel a game rugby league can be. I now have to do everything possible to get myself back fit for the start of next year."

Peacock has won the Challenge Cup twice before with Bradford, at Murrayfield and in Cardiff, but has never graced Wembley and was preparing for his first final with hometown Leeds.

"I won't be having the operation until after Wembley so I will be able travel with the team to be part of their preparation and help them out in any way I can," he added.

"I am sure the lads will rise to the challenge. We have a great squad with great players and I know they can do themselves proud at Wembley."

Leeds, who also lost fellow front-row Luke Burgess with a double fractured broken jaw in the costly 38-6 victory at The Jungle, must now push on and look to overcome the sizeable blow.

Coach Brian McClennan says the club will use it as inspiration for the challenges that await and has demanded a positive response.

"JP has worked so hard this year to get us in the current position we are in with a chance of fourth, in a good position for the play-offs and through to the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final so we're devastated for him," he said.

"We've now lost two props and what it comes down to is every player fortunate enough to take to the pitch for Leeds, to lift us up.

"We always say before every final that the 17 who go out on the field are not just doing it for themselves but that they represent their team-mates and our great club."

McNamara is likely to turn to Warrington's fellow veteran prop Adrian Morley, whose customary battle with Peacock was set to be a Wembley highlight, to fill the void left when they set off on tour in October.

The news marred Leeds's earlier announcement yesterday of a 10m plan to modernise Headingley, with a new scoreboard video screen, a new South Stand with bars and catering facilities, a new pitch and drainage system and improved facilities in the North Stand.

However, chief executive Gary Hetherington insists he will not jeopardise the club's future to fund the development; they will borrow and repay over the next decade while every penny generated from membership sales in 2011 will go directly into the project.

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