Leeds Rhinos forward Jamie Peacock believes he’s in the best physical shape of his career – despite being about to enter his final season as a professional player in 2015.
As he gears up for his testimonial match this weekend against Bradford, the 37-year-old told Radio Leeds that there are no circumstances suggesting it won’t be his last year as a player – despite describing himself as being “stronger and fitter” than ever before.
“Rugby is a funny sport and there may be some circumstance that come up, but at this moment in time it will be my last year,” Peacock said.
“I’m stronger and fitter than I ever have been before in my career. I know I’m lifting heavier than I’ve ever been able to before, and that’s been down to the intensity of the pre-season – and the length of it. It bodes well that my body is in good shape and I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out.”
Peacock admitted that he could have imagined spending so long at the top of the professional game – having spent almost a decade with the Bulls and ten years with Leeds following that.
“I remember doing my book in 2008 and I thought I’d only play a couple more seasons! So to do 10 years with the Rhinos and 9 with the Bulls has been unbelievable.
“I first signed with the Bulls in 1996, and I wouldn’t have imagined that I’d be playing as well as I have done with my hometown club 20 seasons on from that.”
