Wane hails ‘warrior’ Peacock ahead of Wigan’s trip to Leeds

Correspondent

Wigan coach Shaun Wane believes that Leeds prop Jamie Peacock is one of rugby league’s best players.

The Warriors travel to Headingley to face the Rhinos on Friday night, and Wane is expecting Peacock and his experienced team-mates to offer up a stern challenge.

“This is one of the best games, I’ve no doubt about that. Leeds at Leeds is as tough a game as you can get,” he said.

“The individual talent and the experience that they have in that team, the likes of Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peackock – I rate him as one of the best players in the last decade at least.

“I rate him like I do Adrian Morley, Sean O’Loughlin, Paul Wellens  – they’re warriors of the game.

“I have so much respect for him. People like him and Sinfield and Danny McGuire – they’ve got some games under their belt.

“We’re a bit busted at the minute, we’re down on experience, but what my teams have is a dig. They try hard, and we’ll be doing that against Leeds.”

One thing which has struck Wane this season is how tough each Super League game has been, with every game testing his team.

“You look at Hull KR and they beat us,” he said.

“So at the end of the day, I don’t think there are any real big tests, every game is a real, real test, and a real slog to win the game.”

As for tonight’s game, Wane is expecting yet another classic in the ongoing series between the Yorkshire giants and the Lancashire club.

“Wigan and Leeds games, at the DW or Headingley, they’re fantastic games,” he said.

“You’ve got two teams who love to play. They’re very energetic, and passionate, they’re always full-on games.

“The fans love them and so do we.

“We’re looking forward to a real tough game, and I recognise that they have some outstanding individuals.”