Contrary to countless reports in the last week, Leeds Rhinos prop Jamie Peacock will not make his 500th career appearance against Wakefield Wildcats on Friday night.
That’s not because he’s injured, suspended or has been dropped – it was simply a factual error. Peacock has played in 499 matches, but one of those (for Great Britain against Newcastle Division – 20 October, 2006) is not counted as an ‘official’ appearance.
The match was played at EnergyAustralia Stadium as a warm-up for that season’s Tri-Nations tournament, and Great Britain used an irregular number of substitutes (5).
Peacock’s total therefore stands at 498. Assuming he does feature against the Wildcats, he will be in line to make his 500th official appearance against former club Bradford Bulls at Odsal on Easter Thursday.
His total of 498 games has been reached as follows: 234 for Leeds (2006-2014), 207 for Bradford (1999-2005), 4 for Featherstone (1998, loan), 26 Tests for Great Britain (2001-2007), 23 for England (2000-2001 & 2008-2012) and 4 for Yorkshire (2001-2003).
