Ross Peltier reflects on ten years representing Jamaica 

Josh McAllister
Ross Peltier in action for Bradford

Ross Peltier in action for Bradford

Prop forward Ross Peltier has been through a 10-year journey with Jamaica’s international team to get them where they are today.

The former Bradford and Keighley forward first represented the country in 2011, featuring in their 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers. 

It would take two more attempts before the side would earn a spot in a World Cup. They will make their debut at the upcoming event in England thanks to wins over Canada and 2013 quarter-finalists the USA.

Jamaica will feature in Group C at next year’s tournament, competing with Lebanon, Ireland and current #1 ranked team in the world, New Zealand. 

“I saw the vision”

“It’s massive for me,” said Peltier. 

“I’ve been there from our very first qualifiers. Ten years I’ve been playing for them, and I’m proud to be the second most capped player.

“I saw the vision and invested a lot into the World Cup since 2011 when I was 18. I just want to continue that legacy. 

“I’m someone who is lucky enough to have spent a lot of time in Jamaica and see what they’re doing on the island and it’s inspired a generation of players. 

“My mum lived in Jamaica before she moved to Bradford. I’m very proud to represent my country. 

“I spent a lot of time going there and spending time with my grandparents. 

“I made by debut against South Africa and have been through it all, from people laughing at us and saying we’re nothing serious to where we are now. 

“Jamaica and the amount of heritage players we have in England, we have that potential. 

“We should be respected like Ireland, Scotland and Wales and we want to prove ourselves. 

“The potential is there. Jason Robinson is now on board and the whole project has changed massively. 

“I’ve gone from buying our own kits and flights and training on the side of the roads to now having sponsors coming in from all over, proper training camps and staying at the likes of Headingley Stadium. 

“It’s been a long journey, but something I’m proud of. I want to get to the World Cup. That has been the aim since I was 18.”

Ross Peltier makes move to Dewsbury

Peltier will be linking up with Championship outfit Dewsbury Rams for the 2022 season, having impressed in 2021 with Doncaster. 

He bolsters the pack with more than 100 games of experience, and also leading the Dons to the play-off final last season.

“It was a good year,” he said.

“I went to Doncaster for the challenge. They wanted to compete and go up. 

“We only lost once I think in first half of season. We got to the final and it was a project I believed in. 

“I went for the challenge and it was a good two-years and I enjoyed my time.

“I think when it first came out that I was leaving Bradford, there was a bit of a fall out and people questioned the move to a League 1 club, saying it was an easy option and stuff. 

“That got to me a bit. My time at Bradford I thought I established myself as a Championship forward. I want that challenge again and going into a World Cup year.”

Ross Peltier on 2022 goals

Speaking about his move to the Tetley’s Stadium, he said: “The conditioner, Adam Mitchell, is a good friend of mine from my Keighley days. 

“I had a word with him and Lee Greenwood has known me from playing against him. I spoke to Greeny (Greenwood) and listened to him and his plans. And I felt it was another project to get behind.

“For Dewsbury, I want to have the best season I have had and prove to everyone I’m still at that level. I want to have an impact at Dewbusry. 

“The squad we’ve built, including the likes of Dale Ferguson, we’ll have a strong pack. I want to have the best season in Championship and go into the World Cup after my best season. 

“After Covid, I didn’t feel that I had the best season. Now, to get a proper pre-season under my belt, I want to get to that World Cup and go into the competition in my best form.”

Championship Dewsbury Rams