Peacock primed for World record
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Leeds will drag out the mystery over their World Club Challenge line-up until shortly before kick-off at Elland Road tomorrow, but one certainty is that Jamie Peacock will be trying to become the first player to win the title four times.
The England captain was one of those in doubt earlier this week with a damaged hand, but he was quick to declare himself fit. "You don't want to miss great games like these," said Peacock, who won twice with Bradford before last year's Leeds triumph over Melbourne Storm.
He is not one of those to fall into the trap of believing that another British victory over the Australian champions, Manly, will prove anything about the relative strength of the game in the two countries. Indeed, he describes comparisons between Super League and the National Rugby League as "childish".
"They've got a good competition and we've got a good competition," he said. "It will be a great achievement if we beat Manly, but it will be Leeds' achievement. It won't do anything to make up for the World Cup."
England's World Cup scrum-half Rob Burrow is one of those in most doubt for tomorrow night, having not played so far this season with a neck injury. Lee Smith, Carl Ablett and Ali Lauitiiti are the others with question marks over them, although Ryan Bailey has been passed fit after being knocked out last week in the win at Hull KR.
If one or more of the others fail to come through, Brian McClennan, the Leeds coach, will have no qualms about calling up either of the young players he has included in his 19-man squad, Kallum Watkins and Paul McShane.
McClennan has the greatest respect for Manly. "I can't remember a side dominating a play-off series like they did last year," he said. The Australians have also had the smoother build-up to the game, with their side just lacking the Test prop Brent Kite, who is absent on compassionate leave.
Manly have exceptional strike power in a back-line anchored by the former St Helens centre Jamie Lyon and a player who would be any other country's first-choice scrum-half in Matt Orford. All in all, they will take an awful lot of beating.
Despite the public support this week of his chairman Ian Lenagan, the Wigan coach Brian Noble will be under increased pressure if his side lose at Harlequins this evening, making it four defeats out of four, with Bradford and Leeds to come.
Noble has Richard Mathers back from suspension, and Pat Richards and Phil Bailey returning from injury. What many Wigan supporters would like to see, however, is young Sam Tomkins given a chance. The promising half-back is named in the squad for the first time this season and Noble needs inspiration from somewhere.
Quins have Daniel Heckenberg available for the first time this season after shoulder surgery.
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