The son of legendary Leeds Rhinos forward Jamie Peacock has committed his future to the Super League club. 18-year-old Lewis Peacock has agreed his first professional contract, having joined the club's academy earlier this year on an initial trial period.
A product of the prestigious Stanningley amateur set-up, Peacock impressed Leeds officials during his trial, and has now signed a two-year contract. It means he could follow in the footsteps of his father, who won every available domestic honour during a glittering career with the Rhinos.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that Leeds has given me," the 18-year-old said.
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“It’s been a goal since I was younger to play for Leeds. The coaches here are great. They always want to get the best out of you and they’re always motivating you so I just feel like the environment here is really good.
“This season, I’ve got to keep training hard and showing the coaches that I’ll be good on the field. I feel like the first team is a big step right now but if I keep progressing with the coaches helping me, it’s something I can aim for.”
Peacock has spent much of his youth playing rugby union, while at Woodhouse Grove school in Bradford. He was offered a three-month trial period at the Rhinos to train with the Under-18s players and got minutes under his belt in the annual pre-season friendly against Hunslet in February.
Leeds Rhinos Head of Youth John Bastian said, “We watched Lewis playing rugby union for Woodhouse Grove and you could see little facets of his game that might suit rugby league. We loved his effort during those games. He played quite a bit of rugby league in his formative years and we asked him to come down for a trial.”
Academy head coach Tony Smith added, “He’s tough, carries the ball strong and is willing to learn and that is all you can ask from a junior player.
“It was evident that he had a fair bit to do in regards to getting fitter out on the field. He came in just after Christmas and showed the right attitude. He’s got a good work ethic. If you look at his development from when he first came two months ago until now, he’s massively improved. The way he applies himself to training is really good and he’s been a pleasure to work with.”
The latest House of League is out now. Matthew Shaw is joined by a variety of guests to discuss Kruise Leeming's shock Leeds Rhinos exit, Wakefield Trinity's pitch saga and more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
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