The speculation over his future that continues to swirl around Bulls skipper Jamie Peacock has not affected him in the slightest.

On the contrary, Peacock feels his personal form is as good, if not better, than when

he scooped just about every individual honour on offer - including the prestigious Man of Steel title - in 2003.

"I'm enjoying playing at the moment," said Peacock, who has been strongly tipped to leave Odsal when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

"I know we've had our ups and downs but I think I sometimes play better when we are in a bit of strife.

"The games where we have to battle through are the ones that I enjoy, and every one has been like that this year, so I have enjoyed it.

"I know we have copped a couple of hammerings but when you have to get yourself up every week, they are the games that you get your mental strength from."

The 6ft 5in back row has fielded criticism for his leadership style since taking over the captaincy from Robbie Paul at the start of the season, but he has lived up to his promise of leading by example.

"Having played in every match bar the Powergen Challenge Cup drubbing of Feath-erstone, Peacock is top of the Telegraph & Argus's weekly player ratings and himself feels he is playing just as well as he did in 2003.

"To be honest I don't think my form is that different," said Peacock.

"I've probably got a little bit more to my game this year.

"In 2003, because I came back from injury, I'd had eight weeks' weight training and was ten pounds heavier and was just running through people.

"Now I have got a little bit more to my game and my form has been nearly as good as then.

"I've had a close look at the tapes with the coaches and I've been really pleased with it."

Despite his excellent form, Peacock accepts playing in an under-performing side means he is unlikely to receive anywhere near the recognition he did in 2003, when he had the Rugby League Writers award, Bulls player

of the year and players' player of the year

trophies sitting on his mantelpiece alongside the Man of Steel trophy.

"That's the way it works, and rightly so I suppose," he said.