Video - Warrington v Leeds Rhinos: Singleton bidding to take Peacock’s mantle

BEING described as a “young Jamie Peacock” is never a bad starting block for an aspiring rugby league player.
Brad Singleton.Brad Singleton.
Brad Singleton.

So, Leeds Rhinos prop Brad Singleton certainly has plenty going for him.

The 22-year-old Cumbrian may have initially found chances hard to come by at Headingley due to the longevity of the aforementioned Peacock, 37, and Kylie Leuluai, who is 37 in a fortnight.

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But with at least one of that pair certain to retire this autumn, the auditioning process for replacements is well underway and Singleton is impressing.

Brad Singleton.Brad Singleton.
Brad Singleton.

He has featured in all four games this season, helping Leeds to a 100 per cent winning start and – not that it is really essential for a front-row – having scored two tries along the way.

Heading to Warrington tonight, against England prop Chris Hill and NRL recruit Ashton Sims, will be Singleton’s biggest challenge so far but, first, what does he make of that JP comparison?

“I’ve got the big, tall, lanky, slim build so can see the comparison there but if anyone achieves a tenth of what he has, it’s going to be a successful career,” he said.

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“That’s how I see it. But it’s up to me what I do with my career.

“Everyone has to play the patience game especially here as Leeds is such a successful club over the last few years and it is hard to break into a side like that.

“But it’s coming to a time now where players are moving on so I have seen it, front-rowers retiring, as an opportunity.

“I am going to get enough game-time now to put myself into the frame to take over. I feel like I’m going all right and getting that regular game-time does help.”

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Singleton added: “Warrington is a massive game. They always play well and are a very tough side, so we need to be on our best form to beat them.

“I’m not sure of our record over there but I think we’ve lost every time I’ve gone across so it would be nice to go over and get a win.

“We’ve won four from four but there’s still lots of improvement in us. We were 12-0 down at Hull at half-time last week which is unacceptable. We won 43-12 but know there is more.”