Time right to bow out – Peacock

The Leeds Rhinos prop, who has served his country with great distinction since debuting against Russia 12 years ago, confirmed he will retire from international football with immediate effect.

Approaching his 35th birthday, there had been increasing debate whether the warrior forward could continue at the highest level.

Peacock, who has won every domestic honour in the sport, had hoped to continue on and lead his country into next year’s World Cup on home soil.

But he spoke last night of the realisation it would not be possible.

“The 2000 World Cup probably wasn’t the best example of rugby league in this country,” he told the Yorkshire Post, referring to the financially doomed competition in which he made his debut.

“I think the 2013 event will be very different, though, and it was a huge carrot for me to go on and captain my country in that event.

“But I think this (decision) is the right thing for my country; 18 months from now, I don’t think I’ll be playing at a standard which will be good enough to face the Australians and New Zealand.

“I’ve always felt as captain you should be one of the best performers in the side but I realise I probably wouldn’t be in 2013.”

It is such honesty which has underlined Peacock’s stellar career and earned the respect of all, including the revered Australians.

They had been, for so long, his nemesis yet always bore the bruises from his physical style.

Twice rated the world’s best forward – in 2006 and 2007 – securing an Ashes series win or tournament victory has eluded him like so many before.

But Peacock, first named captain of Great Britain in 2005, can still look back on a distinguished international career.

The announcement’s timing, however, comes as a surprise midway through the International Origin series with the Exiles.

Peacock had led England to victory in the opener at St Helens 10 days ago, avenging last year’s loss, and the second game is at Huddersfield next Wednesday.

He had come in for some fierce criticism of late from Great Britain legend Garry Schofield, which led to a public spat on Twitter, but Peacock insists that had no bearing on his thinking.

“I’d made this decision back in January – that if we could beat the Exiles that’s how I’d like to finish off,” he explained, with 48 appearances under his belt.

“That’s what happened, before anything had been said, so it wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. It has been well thought out and was always going to be a difficult decision as I love playing for England and always have.

“To play for and captain your country is the highest honour within the game.”

Peacock cites his England debut against Russia in 2000 as a highlight, as well as his Great Britain bow the following year when he scored within 86 seconds as they beat Australia at Huddersfield.

Then, of course, there was the memorable 23-12 success against Australia in Sydney in 2006 – a feisty encounter and the first time they had defeated their arch-rivals on their own soil in 12 years.

Peacock was captain, too, when Great Britain secured a historic whitewash series triumph over New Zealand in 2007.

Who now takes over the role is open to debate with Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield surely in the mix but perhaps Wigan’s Sean O’Loughlin will be the front-runner for coach Steve McNamara.

Sam Burgess has been touted as a future England captain but his consistent injury problems and the fact he operates in the NRL may affect his chances.

However, as Peacock points out: “That’s the positive aspect of leaving – there are so many natural leaders who can now step up.

“The focus for Steve (McNamara) and the England team has to be the objective of trying to win the Rugby League World Cup next year and for the next generation of players to be part of that process.

“While I feel there are deficiencies within Super League, the one aspect for me that made this decision easier was the huge amount of exciting young talent coming through the elite competition.

“I feel now is the time for the younger players to rise to the challenge of trying to be the dominant force in world rugby league over the next few years.”

England are not short of props with Burgess and James Graham starring in Sydney, plus Huddersfield’s Eorl Crabtree, but the question is whether fellow great Adrian Morley, 35, will retire as well.

Peacock, currently nursing a knee injury likely to sideline him until Leeds’s game with Hull FC on July 6, is adamant about his greatest international opponent.

“Darren Lockyer – he has been a pretty special player and to the fore for most of the Australian sides I’ve faced,” he said.

“If he’d not been around in 2003 we’d probably have won that Ashes series – he was the difference between the two sides.”

The peerless stand-off bowed out last autumn after inspiring yet another Four Nations final win over England at Elland Road and now another legend departs.

McNamara, who names his latest England squad tomorrow, said: “Jamie Peacock is rugby league’s ultimate warrior. It has been a privilege and an honour to coach Jamie at international level.

“He is the perfect role model for any aspiring junior wanting to be the best they can be.

“The way he inspires those around him is his distinct quality.

“Jamie’s qualities will not be lost as he will have a major part to play in the overall England programme going forward as we continue to build to the Rugby League World Cup next year.”