English skipper Jamie Peacock excited to join multi-nations English squad - Rugby
While talking to reporters on Thursday, October 13, the Four Nations’ English captain, Jamie Peacock, shared that he is looking forward to leading the new-look squad, with four of their latest recruits from Australia's National Rugby League (NRL).
All players have made it into the finalised English squad by fulfilling the basic eligibility criteria. Gareth Widdop of Melbourne, Jack Reed of Brisbane Broncos, Chris Heighington of West Tigers and Castleford Tigers’ Rangi Chase are the recent uptakes
for this year’s Four Nations english squad.
Chase has made into the squad on residency grounds and recently in order to prove his commitment to the English squad, the New Zealand born Man of Steel has also applied for dual nationality.
While talking to the media, Peacock said, "England is a cosmopolitan place so it ties in with that. These boys have given up some things to play for England and that's a huge commitment. I'm looking forward to playing alongside them. We all know the rules
are different now and the other nations do it, so why can't we? It's a really exciting squad. It's going to be a good team to play in. Get this right and there is a big chance of success."
English squad is now a blend of different nationalities under the coaching of Steve McNamara. There are quite a few issues which needed to be settled with the introduction of different nationalities. One of the recent incidents is a heated argument between
Jon Wilkin of Saints Helens and Leeds’ prop Ryan Bailey. However, the matter has been settled between the two, before they march into training camp.
Peacock also confirmed the truce and said that both the players had a one to one meeting to clear the air between them and now everything is good to move ahead.
The skipper stated that it was about time that both players move past their club differences and come to terms with the fact that they are now playing for the English National squad.
While branding Rugby league as a “confrontational sport”, Peacock explained that it does become difficult to gel in with your opponents when you are playing on the club level, but the case is entirely opposite once the players from different franchise are
representing in the English squad.
England has been under Peacock’s flagship since 2005, and was ousted from the squad on account of serious knee injury which had kept him off-field for eight months, before he reigned in as the captain of the pack. Peacock also had to miss out on last year’s
Four Nations Series.
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